MTI workshops scheduled in April
Officials with the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) have scheduled workshops across the state beginning April 1 on how to apply to the Maine Technology Asset Fund (MTAF), and will be in Caribou in April 7 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Northern Maine Development Commission. Entities eligible for the fund include universities, non-profit research organizations and businesses looking to finance equipment, facilities renovation or construction focused on bringing technology to the marketplace.
MTAF was financed by $50 million of the research and economic development bond that Maine voters approved in November 2007 and that MTI manages. In 2008 and 2009, the MTI Board awarded approximately $46 million to fund 26 projects in two competitive application rounds. This third round will award approximately $4 million in unused funds from the second round as well as position MTI to award an additional $3 million that may become available as a result of a bond referendum in June.
“The Maine Technology Asset Fund funds cutting-edge technology development in some of Maine’s most entrepreneurial companies and research organizations,” said Betsy Biemann. “We are excited that the initial awards are already accelerating technologies, generating jobs and leveraging external financing.”
Awards must be used for capital and infrastructure expenditures, such as equipment and facilities renovation, for research, development and commercialization activities within Maine’s seven technology sectors. The proposed project must lead to the generation of high quality jobs in Maine. The award criteria also encourage collaboration among organizations to work together to move new technologies of particular importance to Maine to the market.
Workshops are open at no cost to all who may be interested in applying and reservations are strongly encouraged. Call Patti Sutter at MTI at 582-4790 ext. 211 or e-mail psutter@mainetechnology.org to reserve a space.
For information on the Maine Technology Asset Fund, deadlines and the application processes, and other MTI programs, visit the Maine Technology Institute at www.mainetechnology.org.
