D2 News
Sept 21, 2006
Maine Technology Institute Funds 23 Technology Projects
GARDINER, Maine - September, 2006
The Maine Technology Institute (MTI) board of directors approved 23 seed grants to technology companies across Maine. More than $197,000 was awarded, leveraging over $300,000 from other sources. Company locations range from York to Deer Isle.
"Early stage R&D activities, like market research, patent filings or feasibility studies, can be critical for an innovation's successful entry into the marketplace," said Betsy Biemann, MTI president. "Whether it is a scientist in the lab or an inventor in the garage, seed grants can help entrepreneurs complete these important tasks."
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.
MTI seed grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 per project and 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 October 19, 2006. Information about seed grants is available at http://www.mainetechnology.org
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 in Waterville will work with the University of Maine to optimize a process for preserving Maine lobster.
Highland Blueberry Farm in Stockton Springs will use MTI funds for trade marking its Organic Whole Wild Maine Blueberry Tea.
Wise-Acre Inc. in Brooksville will develop a business plan and investigate strategic partnerships with distributors, retailers, and investors in order to be first to market with its innovative, all-natural frozen treat.
Yo Bon Inc in Orono will conduct market testing of its dark chocolate covered, blueberry frozen yogurt novelty product.
Aquaculture and Marine Technology
Filtration One in Woolwich has patented a fuel-water separator for marine engines that prevents water from reaching an engine. The company will use MTI funds to support grant writing services for a fall Development Award proposal to complete R&D and commercialize the technology.
Seaport Technologies Inc. in York will hire a patent attorney to complete patent filings for a unique and proprietary thru-hull camera and underwater lighting system which allows boaters to see under and around their vessel.
Biotechnology
Mitokine Bioscience LLC in Hancock will use MTI funds for research and development activities leading to the commercialization of its new treatment of diabetes.
Roy Rike in Brunswick will construct the prototype of an optical device to control the replication and transcription of DNA.
Composite Materials Technology
D2 In-Line Solutions LLC in Gray will conduct market research and commercialization planning to quantify and qualify business opportunities for the application of metal films to composite materials, prior to investing in the expansion of manufacturing operation. top of page News/Media Home
Empire Designs Inc. in Sanford will design and prototype a safety glove that protects the fingertips from compression and crushing
Rumbleseat Rigging LLC in Woolwich will perform initial design work necessary to construct an IMOCA Open 60 class racing yacht utilizing a team of Maine-based technical resources and boat builders. The company also received a co-investment from MTI's North Star Alliance 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 in Portland will determine the market for an optimized high-speed small craft to meet the needs of the Navy Special Operations Forces and the U.S. Coast Guard, to identify critical technical issues, and to assemble a Maine-based team to design and manufacture these vessels. The company also received a co-investment from MTI's North Star Alliance 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.
Environmental Technology
Green Pod LLC in Harpswell will introduce new technology to manufactured housing creating a niche of energy sustainability.
Zeomatrix in Orono is developing an environmental technology product which can be used to control odors from both animal waste lagoons and sanitary landfills.
Information Technology
Blue Marble Geographics in Gardiner will complete development of a first generation spec and design of a new data conversion desktop. Through this project Blue Marble will address customer and market needs for GIS data management through offering an advanced map data conversion tool at a competitive price.
IntelliSearch in Orono will use MTI funds for market research and analysis of its BSA/eStore, an innovative procurement/e-Commerce system for sourcing of technology products.
Precision Manufacturing Technology
Advance Electronic Concepts in Portland will submit a patent application for an inspection tool designed to view micro-surfaces using ambient light only.
BiODE Inc. in Westbrook will relate its sensor to legacy measurement conditions and seek to integrate it with Foster-Miller's infrared sensor technology.
DM Technologies LLC in Sanford researches and develops conformal coated tantalum capacitors. DM will use MTI funds to develop an extended range fused tantalum chip, 150uf/25volts.
Guyot Designs in Deer Isle is developing a uniquely functional and cost effective line-launcher, called the UpShot, for use in a broad range of industries including the forestry industry.
McCabe and Associates in Winslow will submit a patent for proprietary design for a new mechanics hand tool.
Refrigeration Technologies in Gorham plans to develop an oil pressure regulator assembly as a support product for its coalescing oil separator.
Yankee Engineering Inc. in Limington will pursue full patent filing for its PEX Pocket Crimper.