Economic Development

A photo of the Pursue Blue Horizons logo on a blue background

UMaine unveils new Blue Horizons brand campaign

The University of Maine, the state’s public flagship and only Research 1 (R1) institution, has launched its new brand campaign, Blue Horizons, that invites everyone to experience world-class education in a welcoming place of ingenuity, exploration and collaboration.  The Blue Horizons campaign aims to distinctly define and communicate UMaine’s unique strengths, positioning it as a […]

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Mainebiz reports on $10M grant for jet fuel and fish feed research

Mainebiz reported on a $10 million federal grant awarded to University of Maine researchers and their colleges to investigate using low-value wood to make sustainable jet fuel and fish feed. In partnership with UMass Lowell, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Arbiom, researchers aim to turn wood waste into valuable products and improve forest management.

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USDA backs research into making sustainable jet fuel and fish feed from wood

Millions of pounds of low-value wood, such as small diameter trees and branches, have been left behind in Maine’s forests due to the decline in pulp and paper production, stymied by drought, fire suppression and dropping demand. While there are very few existing market opportunities for this low-quality woody biomass, University of Maine researchers believe […]

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Media report on new aquaculture innovation center coming to UMaine

Maine Public, Mainebiz and WFVX (Channel 7) reported on the University of Maine’s upcoming Sustainable Aquaculture Workforce Innovation Center (SAWIC), the development, design and engineering for which will commence this fall. SAWIC will advance aquaculture talent development and innovation for Maine and beyond. The University of Maine System (UMS) Board of Trustees approved moving forward […]

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UMaine to propel aquaculture innovation and workforce with new facility

Development, design and engineering of the University of Maine’s Sustainable Aquaculture Workforce Innovation Center (SAWIC) will proceed this fall. SAWIC will advance aquaculture talent development and innovation for Maine and beyond. The University of Maine System (UMS) Board of Trustees approved moving forward with the design process for the 14,200-square-foot facility during its regular meeting […]

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Maine media highlight UMaine Food Innovation Lab

The Portland Press Herald, Mainebiz and WFVX (Channel 7) reported on the development of the new University of Maine Food Innovation lab. The facility, which  is expected to open by the end of 2025, will feature three commercial food processing rooms, a walk-in cooler and freezer, various processing equipment, blast-freezing equipment, kettles, a classroom and […]

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Apply for MIRTA accelerator’s sixth cohort

The University of Maine’s Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources, and Engagement (SPIRE) is now accepting applications for the 2024 Maine Innovation, Research, and Technology Accelerator (MIRTA) program.  The MIRTA program is designed to propel University of Maine System research projects from the applied research and development phase to commercialization. The program offers a comprehensive […]

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Forest-based economy, jobs focus of new university-nonprofit partnership

A $7 million grant from the National Science Foundation will fund a four-year statewide collaborative project led by the University of Maine to foster resilient forest communities in Maine.   Maine-FOREST, or Forest-based Opportunities for Resilient Economy, Sustainability and Technology, will expand the state’s research and educational capacity to connect human and ecosystem focused innovations and […]

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