MTI awards $340K to 17 companies
The Maine Technology Institute has awarded nearly $340,000 in two grant programs to 17 companies in Maine. The association doled out a total of $339,785 in TechStart and seed grants, according to a press release.
Three companies received TechStart grants totaling $11,565, and 14 companies received a total of $309,565 in seed grants. The grants were matched by $509,973 in funding raised by the recipients. TechStart grants are used to help entrepreneurs and companies develop new products for commercialization, while seed grants support entrepreneurs doing early-stage research and development.
TechStart grant recipients:
Biotechnology
Bar Harbor Biotechnology, Bar Harbor. Award: $5,000; match: $5,000. The company has developed a new approach to early detection of colorectal cancer, and the grant will allow BHB to pursue federal funding to bring its technology to market.
Precision manufacturing
D2 Systems, Windham. Award: $4,900; match: $4,900. The grant will help the company file a complete U.S. patent application for its solar photovoltaic textile design.
Ruffin LLC, Islesboro. Award: $1,665; match: $1,700. The company designs adaptable plumbing fittings, and plans to use the grant for business plan marketing and market analysis.
Seed grant recipients:
Advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture
MaineAsia LLC, Portland. Award: $25,000; match: $62,000. The company is looking to test its composite solar photovoltaic greenhouse and develop a new, cost-effective design using the University of Maine's bridge in a backpack technology.
Farming Fungi LLC, Sanford. Award: $24,990; match: $61,087. The company is developing technology to grow organic culinary mushrooms, and will use the grant to develop software and control systems.
Aquaculture and marine technology
RAS Corp., Brunswick. Award: $23,872; match: $24,442. The company will test the second phase of its prototype system that removes waste from a tank storing black sea bass using sandworms instead of mechanical filtration.
University of Maine, Orono. Award: $20,100; match: $27,860. The university is developing fish vaccines for aquaculture uses.
Composite materials technology
Falcon Performance Footwear, Auburn. Award: $18,705; match: $18,800. The company will work with UMaine's Advanced Manufacturing Center and TexTech of North Yarmouth to develop a production system for puncture-resistant bi-fit, a type of insole. The company currently sources the bi-fit from outside the United States, but is looking to insource production by the end of the year.
Environmental technology
Count and Crush LLC, South Portland. Award: $25,000; match: $39,000. The company will develop the second generation of CLYNK, a can and bottle recycling and redemption operation. It plans to develop a new customer interface system, lowering barriers to usage as well as cost, with the ultimate goal of launching nationwide.
SeaChange Group LLC, Cape Elizabeth. Award; $24,654; match: $28,250. The company will develop a prototype Eco-Hybrid fuel processor, which reduces emissions in diesel engines.
SeaChange Group LLC, Cape Elizabeth. Award: $17,465; match: $34,590. The company will use its second award to test a high-speed diesel engine testing platform through a partnership with Maine Maritime Academy and its Bucksport facility.
University of Maine, Orono. Award: $13,085; match: $16,360. The university is developing a sensor for chemiluminescence detection of pollutants like nitrates and THMs for aquaculture and drinking water treatment.
Information Technology
Zylo Media LLC, Portland. Award: $25,000; match: $44,200. The company is developing a mobile application of its BoodleUP digital marketing platform, following a successful testing of its web version in the Portland market.
MTK Technology Group LLC, Gorham. Award: $25,000; match: $37,453. The company is working with Maine Maritime Academy to develop a system to control hazardous electrical energy, called Lockout-Tagout.
VetEnvoy Inc., Portland. Award: $16,700; match: $49,500. The company is working on phase II for its software hub that connects veterinary clinics that includes a telemedicine transfer protocol to allow sharing of diagnostic images.
Precision manufacturing technology
Howell Laboratories Inc., Bridgton. Award: $25,000; match: $27,250. The company is developing a broadband low-power FM broadcast antenna.
Bellwether Design Technologies LLC, Biddeford. Award: $24,994; match: $25,581. The company is developing a structural glass skylight system with improved thermal performance and energy efficiency, with a lower cost.
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