Innovate for Maine Fellows Program

Innovate for Maine recruits students passionate about innovation and gives them the skills necessary to succeed. You can count on a fellow who will be committed to your success and capable of strong work to support your goals. With fresh ideas and cutting-edge tech skills, fellows bring new perspectives that can help companies accelerate projects and growth. UMaine’s innovation experts guide and mentor both the student and the company to promote success.

All aspects of fellowship administration from recruitment and screening to training, placement and payment, are handled by the University of Maine. Fellows are employees of the University of Maine and will report regularly to a UMaine supervisor in addition to the company contact. Companies hosting fellows also have regular check-ins with a dedicated contact at UMaine. While Innovate for Maine supports businesses of all sizes, this administrative support can be especially helpful for early-stage startups and small businesses that may not have dedicated HR staff. A flat fee for the program covers the fellow’s salary and all administrative costs, and subsidies are available for companies with fewer than 12 employees. Fellows are available for full-time (400-hour), part-time (200-hour) or project-based (less than 100-hour) placements.  

You chose to build your business in Maine and you know better than anyone how important it is to build Maine’s workforce for the future. Many companies have gone on to hire their fellows after the program. More broadly, Innovate for Maine shapes the employees and entrepreneurs who will help Maine grow and thrive in the years to come. 

Company eligibility

Typically, we work with private-sector companies or non-profits that would provide the opportunity for students to directly engage with innovating companies. If you’re not certain your company qualifies, we encourage you to reach out to us before completing the application – contact program coordinator Emma Wilson with questions.