News Summary
The Maine Technology Institute is launching an initiative to create the state’s first co-working wet laboratory to support life sciences startups. With a proposed budget of $2.75 million, the facility aims to provide essential equipment and a supportive ecosystem for innovation, helping to retain emerging startups in Maine as they often relocate to cities with better resources.
Augusta, Maine — The Maine Technology Institute (MTI) has announced an initiative to establish the state’s first co-working wet laboratory aimed at supporting life sciences startups. This initiative is designed to retain emerging startups in Maine, which often relocate to cities like Boston that offer more advanced resources and infrastructure.
MTI is currently soliciting proposals for the construction of this crucial facility, estimated to require $2.75 million in funding. This budget comprises $2 million from federal sources through the Governor’s Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan and an additional $750,000 from MTI. The initiative aims to provide essential equipment such as spectrophotometers, microscopes, cryotanks, deep freezers, and centrifuges, which are critical for research and development in the life sciences sector.
Entrepreneurs like Matt Hoffner, serving as an entrepreneur in residence, have noted that the lack of shared laboratory spaces has resulted in many startups leaving Maine in pursuit of better resources. The proposed wet lab facility is expected to include support from expert science mentors, workforce development programs, and access to investors, thus creating a supportive ecosystem for innovators.
The importance of this initiative is underscored by Agnieszka Carpenter from the Bioscience Association of Maine, who highlights the necessity of wet lab space as a foundational element of the life sciences ecosystem. Existing facilities in Maine, such as BioPilot/BioIN at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, presently lack the comprehensive services that are essential for commercial laboratory operations.
Proposals for the wet laboratory will be evaluated, with announcements expected in August. Hoffner has indicated that the initial funding may only cover 10-15% of the total project costs but expresses optimism that the request will draw compelling proposals from interested entities.
The life sciences sector in Maine plays a significant role in the economy, supporting nearly 10,000 jobs and generating around $2.3 billion annually. This sector encompasses over 500 businesses, ranging from biotechnology and diagnostics to medical devices and aquaculture science. Notably, job growth in this sector has surged by 54% over the past decade, illustrating the increasing demand and potential for innovation within the industry.
Cem Giray, the CEO of Brunswick biotech startup Salmonics, has communicated that as his company continues to expand, additional lab space is crucial for its growth. Giray sees the forthcoming MTI facility as a beneficial step for many local companies that are currently facing challenges from limited laboratory access.
The proposed incubator will not only aim to support a variety of life sciences companies but also attract larger institutions that require research space. This initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes the establishment of the $3 million Maine Life Science Innovation Center. Both the incubator and the innovation center are interconnected, recognizing that facilitating proof-of-concept work is vital in fostering new startups and driving innovation.
Giray believes that the creation of this incubator and innovation center will significantly contribute to retaining startup companies and local talent in Maine. This initiative addresses the concerns surrounding talent availability in the state, with hopes that it can enhance the local ecosystem for life sciences and support ongoing economic growth in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Press Herald: New incubator tries to keep Maine life science startups from heading to Boston
- Wikipedia: Life sciences
- Press Herald: MTI wet laboratory initiative helps Maine entrepreneurs
- Google Search: Maine Technology Institute
- Press Herald: Bioscience Association of Maine supporting startups
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