AUGUSTA, Maine—Fourteen applicants, including universities, nonprofit research centers and businesses, will share in $30 million in bond funds designed to advance the development of new technologies and promote economic growth in Maine.
The Maine Technology Institute approved the funding, which stems from a $50 million bond issue approved by state voters in November. Applications for a second round of awards from the remaining $20 million will be accepted this fall.
The projects that received funding in the first round were announced Monday by Gov. John Baldacci and Betsy Biemann, president of the Maine Technology Institute.
"The projects that are receiving support today will develop and bring new technologies to market, boosting the state’s economy and creating and sustaining good jobs for Maine people," Baldacci said.
"These are smart investments in our state’s technology sectors to transition to a 21st century economy, building on our strengths. Over the years, these investments have generated new good paying jobs across our State and leveraged federal funding for path breaking centers of excellence."
Picked from among 66 applicants, the 14 recipients represent technologies that build on traditional industries such as agriculture, forestry and aquaculture, as well as genetics, nanotechnology, global positioning, high-resolution imaging, and ceramics and composites.
The larger awards include:
-- Advanced Nanocomposites for the Renewable Energy and Transportation Industries, University of Maine, $5 million.
-- Forest Bioproducts Research Technology Center, University of Maine, $4.8 million.
-- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, $4.7 million.
-- University of New England College of Pharmacy, Portland, $4 million.
-- Seldon Technologies, Inc., Old Town, $2.9 million.
-- Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research, University of Maine, $2.6 million.
-- Sappi Fine Paper Technology Center, Westbrook, $2.2 million.
-- Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research & Education, Beals, $1 million.
