D2 News

Jan 10, 2007

Maine Technology Institute Awards 17 Seed Grants

GARDINER, Maine - The Maine Technology Institute (MTI) board of directors approved 17 seed grants to technology companies across Maine. Over $150,000 was awarded, leveraging nearly $260,000 from other sources. Company locations range from Southwest Harbor to Biddeford.

"Innovation is alive and thriving in Maine," said Betsy Biemann, MTI president. "These companies are developing new products and services, and their success will help boost the State's economy."

Companies funded by MTI are bringing new products to U.S. and global markets, leveraging nearly $200 million from public and private sources and creating jobs faster with higher wages than the average Maine company.

Four of the seventeen funded companies also received a co-investment from MTI's North Star Alliance Technology Fund, part of the State of Maine's workforce and economic development initiative targeting the boatbuilding, composites and marine trade industries funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

MTI seed grants are offered on a competitive basis to support early activities for product development, commercialization or business planning and development. A company may only be awarded up to $25,000 in seed grants for a specific project.

Each seed grant requires a 1:1 match consisting of actual cash, salaries, staff time or equipment directly attributable to the proposed project. Seed grants are awarded six times each year. The application deadline for the next round of grants is February 15, 2007. Visit www.mainetechnology.org for more information about seed grants.

MTI was created by the Legislature in 1999 to encourage, promote, stimulate and support research and development activity leading to the commercialization of new products and services in the state's technology-intensive industrial sectors. Programs are designed to enhance the competitive position of those sectors and increase the likelihood that one or more of the sectors will support clusters of industrial activity and create new jobs.

See Seed Grant awardees below.

Advanced Technologies for Forestry and Agriculture

Cold Cove Foods of Vassalboro will conduct a market analysis, develop their business plan and pursue a patent for a new process and packaging design intended for the long term storage and distribution of Maine lobsters.

Wise-Acre Inc. in Brooksville will conduct market testing and forecasting analysis of its innovative, all-natural frozen treat.

Yo Bon of Orono will use MTI funds to license trademark(s) and finalize its business plan. The start-up company makes Yo Bon Blueberry Bites - wild Maine bluebery frozen yogurt enrobed in dark chocolate. Business plan activities will include outlining an efficient means for production, packaging and distribution; marketing strategies; cost analysis; and investment opportunities.

Biotechnology

ClearH20 in Portland will expand ongoing R&D efforts for the development of a proprietary hydration/nutrition delivery system to include application with standard CD rats and guinea pigs. Project scope will include product formulation development, animal trials and product packaging.

Mitokine Bioscience LLC in Hancock is a new biotechnology company founded to market an important treatment for diabetes. The company will use MTI funds to enroll additional naturally occurring diabetic dogs for study and write a Phase 1 SBIR proposal.

Composite Materials Technology

Creative Thoughts Inc. of Biddeford will conduct technical research for the development of a unique and proprietary nursing bed which provides support for nursing babies and allows the infant to safely remain on the bed once they are asleep.

D2 In-Line Solutions in Gray developed and patented a process for the application of metal films to composite materials. This project will support grant writing services for an MTI development award proposal to complete R&D and commercialize the technology.   top of page   News/Media Home

Maine Secure Composites LLC in Orono will conduct a market and cost benefit analysis for its Composite Anti-Tamper Material (CATM) maritime shipping container. Subcontractors include the University of Maine and Angel Secure Networks with funding from Department of Homeland Security. The CATM container is 20% lighter than conventional steel container and has security features to defend US homeland. The company also received a co-investment from MTI's North Star Alliance Technology Fund, part of the State of Maine's workforce and economic development initiative targeting the boatbuilding, composites and marine trade industries funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Small Craft Engineering LLC of Portland will develop a preliminary vessel design to meet the need of the Navy Special Operations Forces as identified in the requirements for the 11m replacement craft. The company also received a co-investment from MTI's North Star Alliance Technology Fund, part of the State of Maine's workforce and economic development initiative targeting the boatbuilding, composites and marine trade industries funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Wilbur Yachts in Southwest Harbor will conduct a study to determine whether a Downeast semi-displacement, closed molded vessel is financially feasible in a production environment. The company also received a co-investment from MTI's North Star Alliance Technology Fund, part of the State of Maine's workforce and economic development initiative targeting the boatbuilding, composites and marine trade industries funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

York Marine Inc. of Rockland is developing preliminary designs for a composite Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) in anticipation of solicitations from the Coast Guard and US Special Operations Forces for vessels of this type. The company will work with Chuck Paine Yacht Design to develop the vessel design, and the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center at the University of Maine to develop and test a closed-molded laminate design for the vessel. The company also received a co-investment from MTI's North Star Alliance Technology Fund, part of the State of Maine's workforce and economic development initiative targeting the boatbuilding, composites and marine trade industries funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Information Technology

Consumer Energy Research Corporation Inc. in Portland will develop a prototype design of Heat-Safe, a remote sensing device that will supplement home heating oil tank gauges by relaying low-oil and low temperature alarms to third-parties.

Omnautic LLC in Hallowell will use MTI funds for R&D activities leading to a launched, working version of its Omnautic On-line Cruising Guide - a nautical chart-based, on-line cruising guide for boaters. The working version will include maintenance applications.

Precision Manufacturing Technology

Advanced Mobility in Bangor will use MTI funding to research and develop its auto loader which allows a mobility impaired individual to use a fuel efficient minivan.

Simply Divine Brownies LLC in Brunswick, the producer of gourmet, decorated, shaped brownies, will use MTI funding for technical assistance to develop a computerized gantry system that would automate the cutting of all 37 shapes and an automated system to facilitate packaging.

DM Technologies LLC in Sanford, a start-up company engaged in the development and precision manufacture of conformal coated tantalum capacitors, will develop extended range specialty capacitors.

N E X T E P Inc. of Buxton will conduct market research and operational and business planning for a new precision measurement and cutting tool used in dental, surgical and manufacturing sectors. The handheld precision tool generates a computerized 3-D model, such that dimensions from the tool can control local or remote cutting/surgical actions or reproduce physical objects.