We are the accelerator for visionary founders who disrupt the status quo in Maine.

Our startups excel with the guidance of some of the most respected mentors and advisors in business, academia, and venture capital.

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Congratulations to our 2023 Pitch Competition Winner!

Crafting Eco-Friendly Building Envelopes and Innovative Apprenticeships, Croft Selected as Winner of Dirigo Labs Pitch Competition Prize of $25,000


Read the Full Release Here!

Dirigo Labs is:

An accelerator

Join a cohort of fellow founders to participate in a 10-12 week curriculum of meaningful content with topics targeted to the needs of your startup, including customer discovery methodologies, revenue models, sales, employment law, fundraising, and pitch refinement.

A mentor collaborative

Our diverse pool of mentors are the backbone of the accelerator and a bring wide range of talent with a willingness to share their experience. Many are serial entrepreneurs themselves or industry experts based locally or across the country.

A funding catalyst

Gain access to investment capital, deal flow, and grant opportunities through Dirigo Labs’ robust network of angel and venture capital firms. We cultivate relationships with funders who are specifically interested in Maine-based businesses, so you stand out among a crowded pitch field.

A talent pipeline

Find the partners, colleagues, and professional collaborators to strengthen your team, add capacity, and scale your startup. Dirigo Labs’ academic partners will empower you to realize growth through R&D initiatives, talent development programs, and strategic partnerships.

Featured mentors:

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Chris MacKenzie

Executive Vice President

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Jeremy Barron

Former Founder 3Play Media

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Amber Lambke

Co-founder and CEO Maine Grains

We connect entrepreneurs with resources to launch well and thrive.

1

Innovation Hub

Immerse your startup in Dirigo Labs’ center of entrepreneurship in downtown Waterville, where our startup accelerator, coworking space, and entrepreneur residency program converge along the Kennebec River.

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2

Entrepreneurial Community

Bond with fellow startup founders, connect with seasoned entrepreneurs who’ve been in your shoes, and network with investors who want to support your growth.

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3

Innovation Ecosystem

Capitalize on wrap-around partnerships for your startup’s long-term growth and sustainability, whether it be R&D initiatives to develop new IP or site location services to find the perfect new headquarters.

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Tell us about your startup.

The first Maine Startup Census is underway! We’d love to hear from you about your business.

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