Maine's Clean Tech Corridor

The Clean Tech Corridor initiative identifies clean tech resources available from Greater Boston to Maine, and promotes the awareness, access and use of these resources by companies.

E2Tech, the University of Maine’s Department of Industrial Cooperation (UMAINE) and the New England Clean Energy Council (NECEC) have all partnered to develop the “Clean Tech Corridor” (The Corridor). The purpose of the Corridor is simple: connect people and resources between and among Greater Boston and Maine that help form, sustain and grow clean technology companies.

The goal of the initiative is to attract companies from across the New England region that require, but cannot easily access, high quality research and development technology services. For example, there are many Greater Boston-based companies that cannot easily or affordably access university labs and other resources in their area, due to limited facility and personnel capacity. There is technical and support capacity available in Maine, through both the University and the business incubation facilities located throughout the state. The simplifying, packaging and marketing of services are designed to meet the needs of business, and perhaps even influence relocation of some companies to Maine. And of course, the initiative will directly benefit Maine companies which may require, but may not know of the services available in Maine.

Each partner brings unique assets and relationships to the corridor concept. E2TECH and NECEC both bring specialized knowledge of the clean tech sector, as well as relationships with startup and existing clean tech companies, and an awareness of the services and support they require. UMAINE will offer streamlined access to their clean technology research and development hub, including a variety of technical experts, specialized equipment and business services aimed to assist small and medium sized businesses looking to develop and commercialize clean tech products and services.

There are several compelling reasons for this venture which include the opportunity for a focused launch of UMAINE service bundles. The University of Maine has unique facilities with available capacity to perform research services and offer attractive service packages and educational programs, such as Innovation Engineering, that are not generally well known outside the state. UMAINE’s assets include the following centers or initiatives:

  • Forest Bioproducts Research Institute;
  • Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology;
  • Advanced Manufacturing Center;
  • AEWC or the Advanced Structures and Composites Center
  • Process Development Center (a specialized pulp, paper and fiber pilot facility)
  • Sustainability Solutions Initiative (Current NSF EPSCOR program)
  • Fifth Year workforce development initiative, in collaboration United Technologies Center and Eastern Maine Community College