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September 16, 2025

Roux Institute teams with Maine Technology Institute on 'Breakthrough Maine' event series

Startup Maine opening event at Roux Institute speaker and crowd. Photo / Courtesy of Roux Institute Northeastern University's Roux Institute is teaming up with Maine Technology Institute on a new event series. Shown here is opening night at this year's Startup Maine conference.
By Renee Cordes

Northeastern University’s Roux Institute in Portland is joining forces with Maine Technology Institute to launch an event series dubbed “Breakthrough Maine.”

The series will kick off Friday, Oct. 10, with the “Magnetize Maine: Future Workforce Summit.”

Around 200 people are expected to attend, according to Chris Torina, director of entrepreneurship at the Roux. Some 10 events are planned, with more to come.

Chris Torina inside the Roux Institute in Portland.
File Photo / Jim Neuger
Chris Torina

“We believe Maine is ready to step onto the national stage as an emerging opportunity engine,” Torina told Mainebiz. “With deep talent, innovation already in motion and the energy of Northeastern University’s new Portland campus on the horizon, all signs point to one thing: Maine is ripe to have its moment, and we’re determined to help make it happen.”

Asked about the value of attending, Torina said, “Whether you’re a student, working professional, entrepreneur, investor, researcher or community member, you’ll find meaningful opportunities to connect and contribute.”

The series aims to build on the momentum of last year’s programming, which brought more than 6,000 attendees to the Roux Institute campus on Fore St. and featured hundreds of speakers and panelists.

The "Breakthrough Maine" branding includes an illustration depicting the institute’s future waterfront campus under construction at the site of the former B&M Baked Beans factory. Torina said the image was designed "by our talented and highly creative in-house team."

Save the dates 

Here's the lineup for the first slate of events in 2025 and 2026:

  • Magnetize Maine: Future Workforce Summit (Oct. 10)
  • 2025 Blue Economy Investment Summit (Oct. 24)
  • Foundations for the Digital Commons: Aligning Technology, Law & Innovation for the Common Good (Oct. 30-31)
  • 5th Annual Northern New England MedTech Conference (Nov. 12–14)
  • Roux Career Fair & Opportunity Expo (Feb. 26)
  • Catalyzing Maine’s Future – Women Who Empower (March 12)
  • Pipeline Power: Roux’s Student Achievement Showcase (April 16)
  • Startup Maine Week (May 18-21)
People networking at an event at the Roux Institute in Portland.
Photo / Courtesy of Roux Institute
Networking opportunities abound at Roux Institute events in Portland.

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