Innovate for Maine set to double cohort size in 2023
The University of Maine Foster Center for Innovation is seeking Maine students and Maine companies to participate in the 2023 Innovate for Maine Fellows internship program. The application deadline for students and companies is March 5. To apply or learn more about Innovate for Maine Fellows, visit the program website.
This year, with funding for University of Maine System workforce development efforts from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, put forth by Gov. Janet Mills and supported by the Maine Legislature, Innovate For Maine will nearly double the number of fellows it will hire to support eligible businesses at little to no cost.
Innovate for Maine connects the most curious and passionate Maine college students with the state’s most exciting growing companies for paid, meaningful, hands-on internship experiences. The program is looking for both student fellows to join the 2023 cohort and a variety of for-profit companies developing innovative products, services or processes to host them. These companies will proactively engage these students, mentor and coach them throughout their internship.
Emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship, Innovate for Maine prepares student fellows to collaborate with companies on innovation projects that accelerate company growth. Innovation projects can include work on new products or services, process improvements, market research, prototyping, sales forecasting and more.
“With support from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, startups and small businesses will be able access talent to help them accomplish important business milestones, while the fellows gain valuable experience and see how they can be a part of Maine’s future workforce,” says Renee Kelly, UMaine associate vice president for strategic partnerships and innovation.
Eligible students include those enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs at any college or university in Maine, Maine residents enrolled in degree programs at colleges or universities outside of the state, and any college students that have strong ties to Maine. These students may include those who visit Maine regularly or have family who reside in the state.
Host companies can range in size from small startups to major corporations. Fellows can work full time or part time during the summer, with the possibility of continuing part time during the academic year.
Trained innovation experts guide and mentor both the fellow and the company for the duration of the internship. UMaine recruits, screens, matches, hires and trains fellows to work on projects for companies selected to participate in the program.
Since Innovate for Maine Fellows was established in 2012, 250 student participants have gained exposure to innovative Maine companies and built strong networks that help them find opportunities to stay in Maine.