Help with Product Development
Contact: John Belding
Phone: 207.581.2717
Email: john.belding@maine.edu
About: The Advanced Manufacturing Center is part of the University of Maine’s College of Engineering. The AMC is an engineering support and service center that is dedicated to promoting economic development in Maine, and supporting the research programs at the University of Maine. The AMC is also readily accessible to businesses, entrepreneurs, and researchers throughout Maine, and North America. The AMC program is committed to maintaining a first-class facility equipped with the latest manufacturing technologies.
Advanced Structures & Composites Center
Contact: Habib Dagher
Phone: 207.581-2121
Email: contactaewc@umit.maine.edu
About: The Advanced Structures and Composites Center is dedicated to: research, education, and economic development focused on the material science and structural application of hybrid composites.
The Center’s goals are:
• To develop the underlying science and engineering principles needed to produce low-cost, high-performance structural composites.
• To support current and emerging industries as well as government agencies that produce/use these products by providing testing, engineering and consulting services.
• To actively pursue commercialization, entrepreneurship, and job creation in Maine and beyond.
Contact: Beth Calder
Phone: 207.581.2791
Email: beth.calder@maine.edu
About: We are dedicated to providing quality undergraduate and graduate education, relevant research, and exceptional public service. Our faculty collaborates with researchers and industrial partners within the state and around the globe. Our departmental facilities in Hitchner Hall contain spacious research laboratories, a commercial teaching kitchen, a Consumer Testing Center for sensory evaluation of foods, and a Pilot Plant food processing facility.
Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology
Contact: Robert Lad
Phone: 207.581.2257
Email: rjlad@maine.edu
About: At LASST, our mission is to:
• Perform fundamental and applied research & development on problems related to surfaces, interfaces, thin film materials, solid-state devices, micro/nano systems, and sensor technology through federal research grants and contracts.
• Transfer basic and applied research developments to the industrial sector and participate in joint university-industrial funded research projects.
• Provide research opportunities and advanced laboratory training for M.S. and Ph.D. students, undergraduates, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scientists.
• Organize internal and external seminar programs, workshops and topical conferences.
• Offer introductory and advanced courses on topics such as nanotechnology, surface physics and chemistry, materials science, vacuum technology, materials analysis, thin film technology, bioengineering, micro/nano fabrication, sensor technology, and microelectronics.
Pulp and Paper Process Development Center
Contact: Proserfina Bennett
Phone: 207.949.4176
Email: PBennett@umche.maine.edu
About: The UMaine Process Development Center (PDC) is pleased to offer its facility, equipment, and expertise for cooperative research and development projects. For nearly thirty years, the PDC has set the industry standard for collaborative pulp and paper research and has recently expanded into other technology areas, such as bioplastics, solid and liquid biofuels and nanomaterials. The PDC is well equipped to work with a wide range of raw materials, from wood, bark, herbaceous crops and agricultural residuals. Available processes include extraction, pulping, bleaching, papermaking, coating, and finishing, as well as extensive paper testing and analytical capabilities. New product innovations utilizing forest- and agriculturally-derived materials include a non-toxic grease-proof coating additive, a new class of environmental remediation technology, a unique cellulose insulation product, and new bio-based paper strength and processing aids. Over the years, the PDC has served a unique role in supporting public-private partnerships, particularly with the Forest Products Industry. The PDC’s knowledgeable staff and faculty works closely with clients across all stages of product development, from conceptual beginnings to successful commercialization. The Process Development Center has collaborated with hundreds of private sector clients over the years, on both long and short-term projects, providing timely service and delivering confidential, innovative and cost-effective solutions.
Technology Transfer Office – Licensing Technologies
Contact: Kris Burton
Phone: 207.581.1488
Email: kris.burton@maine.edu
About: The Department of Industrial Cooperation at UMaine serves as the primary link between the university and commercial interests. UMaine’s rapidly growing research base has fueled over fifty patents and patent applications from the work of faculty, staff and students. DIC works to commercialize these results through collaborative research and licensing of intellectual property to companies. Inventors disclose new technologies to DIC, where they are evaluated for technical merit, commercial potential, and capacity for patent protection. DIC files patents as appropriate, and identifies potential applications and paths to market for the technology. Inventors’ contacts and existing licensees are often the best places to start. Other options include startup companies and targeted marketing to existing companies. License terms vary by technology, but generally include license issue fees, running royalties, minimum royalties and performance milestones. A discounted royalty rate is often granted for products produced in Maine. License income received by the university is distributed to inventors and departments according to the university policy.