Foster Center for Student Innovation

What is Innovate for Maine?

2020 program update: We have made the difficult decision to cancel Innovate for Maine in 2020. Due to the ongoing pandemic, many of our partner events such as Startup Maine and the Top Gun Statewide Showcase have been canceled or postponed, and we believe the personal connections made in our in-person boot camp, cohort-building activities, and networking events cannot be replicated effectively online. You should have received further communication from us on this topic already, and we will work to connect interested companies with intern applicants individually when possible. 

The Innovate for Maine Fellows program connects the best and brightest Maine college students with Maine’s most exciting, growing companies as a way to grow and create jobs across the state of Maine through innovation and entrepreneurship. Eligible students include those enrolled in undergraduate or post-graduate degree programs at any college or university in Maine as well as college students from Maine enrolled in degree programs at a college or university outside of the state. 

Students and companies come together through the University of Maine to collaborate on innovative projects that will accelerate company growth and give students a paid, meaningful, hands-on internship experience.

Fellows

All fellows participate in a one-week innovation boot camp that allows them to bond with each other, network with business leaders, and learn everything they need to know to be successful in their fellowship.  The boot camp brings together students from all majors and backgrounds to form a close-knit cohort.  This cohort is an important part of their support system for the duration of the internship. 

From coffee and chocolate to wind turbines and tropical fish, Innovate for Maine Fellows have the opportunity to work on a number of projects over the course of their felllowship.  With each new project, they are able to gain valuable, real-world experience in a variety of industries.

“The Innovate for Maine internship was the greatest experience of my college career so far. It didn’t only change my life for the time that I was in it. It has continued to change my life decisions and thought process well after completing it.  I would not simply recommend this internship, I would urge any college student to take this opportunity! Trust me, it will change your life!”

Learn more about becoming an Innovate for Maine fellow.

Companies

Companies that are selected to participate in this program are able to get the help they need to accelerate projects and grow their business.  Trained innovation experts guide and mentor both the student and the company throughout the duration of the project.

“The Innovate Maine intern that I worked with was able to design and complete a critical market analysis project without a lot of coaching. The quality of the data was key to making a decision to proceed with a new product. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Innovate Maine Interns to any company and look forward to using them again in the future.”

Learn more about becoming an Innovate for Maine company.