The inaugural Maine Innovation Exchange, hosted by the Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources, and Engagement (SPIRE), aims to streamline how businesses can tap into the portfolio of research, innovation, infrastructure, and talent at the University of Maine, the state’s top research university. The one-day conference will showcase partnership success stories and workshops to help business leaders translate innovation expertise into implementable takeaways for business. It will also connect participants with resources that can help drive innovation.

Speakers include Rich Miner, co-founder of Android, venture capitalist, and serial entrepreneur; Joshua Henry, President and CEO of TimberHP; Heather Kerner, founder and CEO of The Good Crust; Bruce Hall, Director of Agroecology at Jasper Wyman & Son; Matt Nixon, owner of Muddy River Farm Aquaponics; Garrett VanAtta, Director of Operations at Johnson Outdoors; Robert Lindyberg, CEO of Global Secure Shipping; and UMaine leaders and experts.