Applications open for UMaine’s 2025 Innovate for Maine Fellows Program

The University of Maine’s Foster Center for Innovation has opened applications for the 2025 Innovate for Maine Fellows Program. This premier internship initiative will connect up to 60 Maine college students with the state’s most innovative companies, offering paid, hands-on internships that drive growth and impact.

Innovate for Maine is looking for students who are passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship. Those who are eligible for the program include undergraduate and graduate students at Maine colleges and universities, Maine residents attending out-of-state schools and individuals with strong ties to the state. Selected students tackle exciting projects such as product development, market research, computer programming, prototyping, videography and social media marketing, all while building professional networks and preparing for future success. Since its inception in 2012, Innovate for Maine has helped 360 students gain invaluable experience with more than 280 Maine businesses.

Participating businesses — from startups to larger companies — gain access to motivated, top tier interns ready to bring fresh ideas and energy. For-profit Maine businesses of any size developing innovative products, services or processes can participate

Full Funding for Eligible Companies

Through funding from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan (MJRP), which were provided to the University of Maine System for workforce development, eligible Maine businesses with fewer than 250 employees that delayed business formation or were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can host an intern at no cost. The funds will help support Maine startups and small businesses as they recover and grow post pandemic.

MJRP was proposed by Gov. Janet Mills and approved by the Legislature to invest the state’s share of federal American Rescue Plan relief funds. 

 “Our two Innovate for Maine interns helped fast track one part of our product that now reaches over 15,000 Maine students,” said Helen Cohen, chief operating officer of Reach My Teach. “Watching them gain real world experience — using Figma, building websites and conducting user interviews — was incredibly rewarding. Their work is making a real difference for schools, 

The program handles recruiting the students, and fellows are carefully selected and matched with projects to ensure that company needs are met. 

Interns participate in a four-day boot camp that trains them to be ready to contribute to their host company on day one. The Innovate for Maine team then continues to supervise and mentor them throughout the summer. Fellows can work full time or part time during the summer with opportunities to continue part time during the academic year.

Applications for both students and companies close on Feb. 16. To apply or learn more, visit the Innovate for Maine Fellows Program website.