MaineTech 2003 Showcases New Businesses
Contact: Renee Kelly, Office of Research and Economic Development, 207-581-1141; Nick Houtman. Dept. of Public Affairs, 207-581-3777
ORONO– On May 20 at the Augusta Civic Center, new businesses likely to contribute to Maine’s economic future will take center stage at MaineTech 2003. More than 90 companies and research organizations will have displays and representatives at the event whose purpose is to bring entrepreneurs together with service providers and researchers.
“As these companies have success with the new products that they’re developing, they will be providing knowledge based, well-paying jobs to Maine people,” says Renee Kelly of the University of Maine Office of Research and Economic Development. “They are helping to create the economy of the future.”
Among companies registered for MaineTech are:
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Hydro-Photon of Blue Hill, which makes a portable product that can sterilize water in a container.
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BIODE, Inc., of Westbrook and Bangor, which is developing a sensor to detect changes in the viscosity of liquids, particularly lubricating oils that need to be monitored.
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Microtechnologies, Inc., developer of a salmon vaccine to protect against the infectious salmon anemia virus.
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Porter’s Woodworking and Custom Composites Technologies, both working with the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center at UMaine on new wood composite products.
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Crucible Corporation of Sorrento, developer of an electronic pet door.
Maine derives strength from its tradition of entrepreneurial activity and the state’s tight-knit community of service providers, adds Kelly. These qualities give new businesses an advantage in turning research based ideas into market opportunities.
Among UMaine research units that will have displays at MaineTech are the Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology, the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center, a marine composites project by Michael “Mick” Peterson in the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, the Lobster Institute, the Agent Institute, a hybrid high-speed ships project led by Vince Caccese in the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, and the Pulp and Paper Process Development Center.
During the day, company representatives will give presentations on their new products. Sessions are also being arranged for companies to provide information to potential investors and customers.
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. Registration for attendees is $10.
UMaine is co-hosting the event with members of the Maine Technology Consortium. Other members of that group include the Applied Technology Development Centers, the Maine Technology Institute, the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the University of Southern Maine, the Maine Patent Program and the Market Development Center.
Funding support for MaineTech 2003 comes from the National Science Foundation EPSCoR program.