Discover the next wave of Maine startups, connect with innovators, and watch founders compete live at the Dirigo Labs 2026 Pitch Competition — the culminating showcase of Dirigo Labs’ startup accelerator program.
After months of intensive mentorship, strategy development, and growth through the Dirigo Labs accelerator, this year’s cohort will take the stage to pitch their ventures to a panel of judges, investors, and community leaders. Founders will compete for a $20,000 grand prize, $2,500 audience choice prize, and $2,500 cohort choice prize, proudly sponsored by Skowhegan Savings Bank.
This high-energy event showcases some of Maine’s most promising startups across industries including technology, manufacturing, marine innovation, cleantech, and more. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, student, or community member, this is your chance to:
Space is limited — be sure to RSVP to secure your spot!
Watch Live on May 28th at 6pm here!
Jay Bockhaus is the Chief Investment Officer (and Managing Partner) of the CORI Innovation Fund, where he oversees investments in scalable technology startups located in small and rural communities across the United States. He began his career advising on mergers and acquisitions at Gleacher & Co. and Allen & Company before spending a decade at NBCUniversal, where he ultimately led strategy and development for the Entertainment and Digital Networks division. He subsequently served as Executive Advisor to the Chairman at Emigrant Bank, where he led investments in small growth businesses. Jay holds a BA in Public Policy and International Affairs from Princeton University.
Amberlynn Esperanza serves as Governor-Appointed Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Maine Technology Institute, bringing deep expertise in commercial banking and community leadership to the role. She is a Relationship Manager at Golden Pond Wealth Management with deep experience at the intersection of finance, nonprofit governance, and community engagement across Maine. Amberlynn has served as the Assistant Vice President of Commercial Lending Development at Mascoma Bank. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting from the University of Southern Maine and has been recognized as a Mainebiz NextUp: 40 Under 40 honoree and completed the Leadership Maine program in 2024.
Suheir Alaskari is the Director of Professional and Career Development at Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, bringing over 18 years of leadership experience in higher education, workforce development, and career services. Prior to joining Thomas College in fall 2025, she served as the Associate Director of Student Employment Services at Colby College, where she developed expertise in connecting students with meaningful career opportunities. In her current role, she oversees all career services programming and professional development initiatives for Thomas College students and alumni, helping them navigate career choices from their first day through graduation and beyond.
Maggie Leone brings over 12 years of banking experience to her role as AVP and Commercial Lender at Skowhegan Savings Bank. She began her career as a head teller, customer service representative, and loan processor at a community bank in Massachusetts before joining Skowhegan Savings in 2019 as a commercial loan processor. She was promoted to the commercial lending team as Small Business Relationship Manager and, as of January 2026, serves as Assistant Vice President and Commercial Lender, supporting business customers throughout Franklin County from her branch in Farmington. Prior to banking, Maggie spent 9 years in the insurance industry as a personal lines manager. A Massachusetts native, she relocated to Maine with her family in 2009.
Anthony Durante is the Director of New Ventures for the Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources, and Engagement at the University of Maine. In this role, he is responsible for developing and implementing strategies, initiatives, and programs that advance the commercialization of innovations developed within the University of Maine System and partner research organizations. His previous roles in the entrepreneurial ecosystem include being the Manager of Entrepreneurial Support for the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where he managed Ben Franklin TechVentures, a 129,000-square-foot technology-focused business incubator. Before that, Anthony was the Program Manager for the Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), where he managed the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center, a 64,000-square-foot manufacturing business incubator.
Meet the 12 startups competing this year — a diverse group of Maine founders building scalable, market-ready solutions rooted in technology, marine innovation, clean energy, food production, and more.
The first new seafood cannery in Maine in more than 50 years. Sources exclusively from Maine’s wild-caught and aquaculture communities and produces chef-designed tinned seafood products.
An AI-powered evidence intelligence platform that structures scientific, clinical, and payer policy data to accelerate commercialization and real-world clinical impact for oncology diagnostics and med-tech innovators.
A fully integrated, woman- and minority-owned organic aquaculture leader operating the largest USDA Organic Certified seaweed farm in the U.S. Their “seed-to-shelf” technology powers food, nutraceutical, and agricultural ingredients.
Produces a buckwheat-based carbonated beverage with the long-term goal of cultivating, producing, and bottling all ingredients in Maine.
Develops a patent-protected, non-permanent Portable Underwater Generator that safely generates hydroelectric power without disrupting marine ecosystems. Systems range from single-operator mobile units to utility-scale platforms.
Offers the first EV fleet management platform to fully automate home charging reimbursement, management, and grid integration. Their software transforms idle EVs into revenue-generating assets while reducing operational costs.
Delivers AI-powered video intelligence that finds, organizes, and surfaces meaningful insights, enabling businesses to extract value from video content quickly and efficiently.
A recovery app designed to help runners overcome injuries. Leverages AI models trained on the latest clinical research to identify the root cause of injury while giving rehabilitation guidance and progress monitoring.
Develops bio-derived carbon fiber materials and composites that offer environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional manufacturing. Actively pursuing commercialization and strategic partnerships.
A platform designed for neurodivergent middle and high school students. The system adapts assignments to individual learning needs, improving accessibility and educational outcomes.
Redefining modular building in Maine with single-family homes and 2–10 unit apartment buildings that blend modern efficiency with traditional New England architectural form.
Produces seaweed-based bioplastic materials aimed at replacing petroleum-based products in the fishing, aquaculture, and agricultural sectors, supporting a more sustainable materials future.
Prize Sponsor: Skowhegan Savings Bank · Organized by Dirigo Labs & Central Maine Growth Council
Thank you to our Friends of Founders sponsors, Valley Beverage, OneRiver CPAs, and the Center on Rural Innovation.
Space is limited. Secure your seat today and be part of Maine’s most exciting startup showcase.
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