Waterville, ME 10/31/2023 – Highlighting a focus on financial knowledge and expertise, Dirigo Labs is announcing a final call for applications for its third cohort of companies. The accelerator, housed at Hathaway Creative Center in downtown Waterville, has continued to empower startups statewide to secure funding, create jobs, and encourage business expansion and retention.
Extended to 16-weeks, the accelerator’s curriculum will emphasize revenue projections, capital strategy, customer acquisition, and tactics to scale. Dirigo Labs leverages its network of local and national mentors to connect participating entrepreneurs with a tailored board of advisors to help them execute their project plans. The accelerator has continued to support entrepreneurs and startups in a range of industries, including biotechnology, healthcare technology, manufacturing, clean tech, and medical devices.
“We look forward to selecting our third cohort of startup companies, further emphasizing our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and business development,” states Dirigo Labs Managing Director Susan Ruhlin. “Dirigo Labs is dedicated to empowering these innovative entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools and support needed to secure funding, create jobs, and contribute to the growth and retention of businesses in our communities.”
Startup teams are selected based on the stage of development, founder experience, and potential to scale. Founders will also attend weekly seminars while engaging in customized curriculum to execute their project plans. Seminar topics will engage a wide range of subjects, including how to utilize public-private sector grants and economic incentives, customer acquisition strategies, capital planning, and intellectual property evaluation.
“In today’s competitive business landscape, financial literacy is an indispensable asset for founders seeking grants or technical assistance; our extended 16-week accelerator program places a strong emphasis on equipping entrepreneurs with the essential skills in pitch preparedness, revenue projections, budgeting, and business model refinement, “continues Dirigo Labs Program Manager Emalee Couture. “At Dirigo Labs, we recognize the critical role financial knowledge plays in the success of startups across diverse industries, and we’re here to ensure our founders are well-prepared to secure the support they need to thrive.”
The cohort will convene its first sessions in February. Startups who are interested in learning more about Dirigo Labs and applying can visit www.dirigolabs.org.
About Dirigo Labs:Dirigo Labs is a regional startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine. With a mission to grow mid-Maine’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs building innovation-based companies, the Dirigo Labs ecosystem brings together people, resources, and organizations to ensure the successful launch of new startups. Dirigo Labs operates under Central Maine Growth Council and is supported by several organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms.
Accelerator Program will utilize Phase II funding to connect rural entrepreneurs with Dirigo Labs’ suite of services and diverse sets of federal grant fundingAccelerator Program will utilize Phase II funding to connect rural entrepreneurs with Dirigo Labs’ suite of services and diverse sets of federal grant funding
Waterville, ME 10/23/2023 – After successfully securing a $50,000 cash prize in May from the Small Business Development Administration (SBA) Catalyst Phase I, Dirigo Labs was selected as a Phase II SBA Catalyst grantee to encourage ecosystem development throughout the state of Maine for rural and underserved entrepreneurs. In addition to the creation of partnerships with educational institutions and business support services, the SBA Catalyst Phase II funding will be influential in improving Maine’s Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Research (SBIR/STTR) pipeline through Dirigo Labs’ accelerator program.
The SBIR and STTR programs, mandated as small business set-asides by Congress, play a pivotal role in driving scientific excellence and technology innovation by channeling Federal research funds toward crucial U.S. priorities and associated startups. These highly competitive initiatives are designed to compel domestic small businesses to actively participate in Federal Research and Development with a focus on potential commercialization. This strategy not only stimulates high-tech innovation, but also instills an entrepreneurial drive, addressing specific research needs critical to fortifying the local and national economy.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Dirigo Labs has received this SBA Catalyst phase II award,” said Susan Ruhlin, Managing Director of Dirigo Labs. “Our team is passionate about strengthening Maine’s SBIR/STTR funding opportunities and collaborating with partners to create an inclusive support system for underserved entrepreneurs across the state. With the support of this program, we are confident that we can break down barriers and ensure that all early-stage startups can access the technical assistance they need to be successful. This award is truly an exciting step towards transforming and expanding Maine’s innovation ecosystem so that all entrepreneurs, regardless of background or geography, can turn their ideas into thriving businesses.”
After being selected as 1 of 40 out of 355 U.S.-based applications for Phase I, Dirigo Labs was subsequently chosen as 1 of 35 awardees out of 38 Phase II applicants. The creation of the Growth Acceleration Partnership symbolizes a collaborative effort to support Maine-based entrepreneurs with federal funding while empowering collective impact throughout Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“The creation of the Growth Acceleration Partnership is a pivotal moment for Maine’s local, regional, and statewide entrepreneurial ecosystem. With a strategic focus of supporting high-growth companies with federal funding opportunities, Dirigo Labs is spearheading a collaborative effort in downtown Waterville that will undoubtedly transform the landscape of SBIR/STTR applicants and startup companies in the state. This initiative will not only increase resource awareness and funding access but also provide a platform for entrepreneurial collaboration,” elaborates Central Maine Growth Council Director of Planning, Innovation, and Economic Development Garvan Donegan. “By investing in SBIR/STTR readiness assessments and nurturing startups, Dirigo Labs is ensuring that every entrepreneur receives tailored support, regardless of their stage of development. This partnership exemplifies the power of collective action in driving economic growth and innovation in Maine.”
For more information about the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, please visit wwww.sbir.gov/accelerators.
About Dirigo Labs:
Dirigo Labs is a regional startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine. With a mission to grow mid-Maine’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs building innovation-based companies, the Dirigo Labs ecosystem brings together people, resources, and organizations to ensure the successful launch of new startups. Dirigo Labs operates under Central Maine Growth Council and is supported by several organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms. To learn more about Dirigo Labs, please visit www.dirigolabs.org
The second annual conference will increase awareness surrounding workforce development initiatives
Waterville, ME 9/6/2023 – Dirigo Labs and its partner, the Skowhegan Center for Entrepreneurship, are pleased to announce that Kennebec Savings Bank will once again be the Lead Sponsor for the 2023 Better Maine Conference, taking place on October 5th in downtown Waterville. This year’s conference will focus on “Growing a Diverse Workforce” and feature keynote speaker Kerem Durdag, President and COO of GWI.
“Kennebec Savings Bank is honored to once again be the Lead Sponsor for the Better Maine Conference. We believe that creating opportunities for all and fostering a culture of belonging is critically important to strengthening our communities and our Maine economy. Events like Better Maine provide a platform to share ideas, build understanding, and catalyze meaningful action around workforce development. By coming together and recognizing our shared responsibility in this effort, we can help make our workplaces, institutions, and state one where every person is welcomed and empowered to contribute their talents.” said Amanda Cooley, Vice President & Marketing & Communications Officer at Kennebec Savings Bank. “This event provides an important forum to discuss how organizations across Maine can come together to build a skilled, diverse workforce and foster economic growth in our communities.”
The Better Maine Conference brings together business leaders, policymakers, and workforce development professionals to share best practices and innovations around talent attraction, upskilling employees, diversity initiatives, leadership development, and more. Last year’s inaugural event drew 75 attendees from across Maine.
“We are thrilled to host this event each year as a catalyst for ideas, collaboration, and real progress on some of Maine’s greatest economic challenges,” said Emalee Couture, Program Manager at Dirigo Labs. “With partners like Kennebec Savings Bank, we can continue working to make Maine the best place to live, work, and build a career for all.”
Kerem Durdag, President and COO of GWI, will deliver the keynote address sharing insights from personal experience in Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and through his work at GWI. Other prominent speakers will participate in panel discussions and workshops throughout the day.
For more details and registration information, visit the Better Maine Conference Eventbrite page.
About Kennebec Savings Bank:
Kennebec Savings Bank is a $1.6 billion state-chartered community bank, part of a mutual organization, with a team of 200 employees and offices in Augusta, Farmingdale, Freeport, Waterville, Winthrop, and Portland, as well as “KSB Anytime” 24-hour electronic banking centers in Augusta, Farmingdale, Freeport, and Manchester. The Bank is proud that its involvement in the community as an employer, a business, and a contributor has led to many other successes besides its own. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. For more information please visit: https://www.kennebecsavings.bank
About Dirigo Labs: Dirigo Labs is a regional startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine. With a mission to grow the greater Waterville area’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs building innovation-based companies, the Dirigo Labs ecosystem brings together people, resources, and organizations to ensure the successful launch of new startups. Dirigo Labs operates under the Central Maine Growth Council and is supported by several organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms. To learn more about Dirigo Labs, please visit www.dirigolabs.org.
Seasoned Entrepreneur Jonathan Godbout to Advise Cohort Members
Waterville, ME 8/16/2023 – Dirigo Labs is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Godbout, Co-founder of Prospector, as its next entrepreneur in residence. Jonathan will advise Dirigo Labs startups and entrepreneurs as they progress through the accelerator program.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Dirigo Labs as the Entrepreneur in Residence; as a member of the first cohort, I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous impact Dirigo Labs has on startups in central Maine,” states Godbout. ”I look forward to paying it forward by assisting future cohorts of entrepreneurs as they turn their ideas into successful ventures.”
Jonathan brings a decade of diverse experience in social entrepreneurship and technology. After he completed his degree in Economics and International Studies at Colby College in Waterville, Jonathan joined IBM’s Global Business Services consulting division where he served customers in both the private and public sectors. In 2015, Jonathan co-founded iBUILD, a startup focused on building technology solutions for the construction industry. Under his leadership, iBUILD attracted high-profile clients and investors, such as Habitat for Humanity.
“With a trailblazing journey through the startup landscape, Jon brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge on navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. His battle-tested insights, honed through the trenches of founding and scaling startups, will be the compass guiding our cohort towards conquering challenges and unlocking unprecedented growth,” said Emalee Couture, Program Manager, Dirigo Labs.
Serving as CTO and COO of Prospector, a company Jonathan cofounded in 2020, the startup utilizes human-centered artificial intelligence data analytics to allow investors to better understand the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact of the mining industry. Current clients include Newmont Gold, Agnico, BHP, SRK Consulting, USGS, and FactSet. Jonathan participated in the inaugural cohort of Dirigo Labs on behalf of Prospector.
Serving as the EiR for Dirigo Labs, Jonathan will provide coaching to entrepreneurs involved in the program and advise Dirigo Labs staff on the curriculum. Dirigo Labs is located at the Hathaway Creative Center in downtown Waterville, where team members and founders collaborate. Applications for its next cohort are currently open. The next accelerator term will begin in early 2024 and conclude with a pitch event in May.
Dirigo Labs is a regional startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine. With a mission to grow mid-Maine’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs building innovation-based companies, the Dirigo Labs ecosystem brings together people, resources, and organizations to ensure the successful launch of new startups. Dirigo Labs operates under Central Maine Growth Council and is supported by several organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms.
Waterville – In Waterville, Genotyping Center of America is in growth mode. Founded in 2012, the company provides genetic testing and colony planning services to accelerate preclinical and drug discovery research and improve laboratory animal welfare.
The full article can be viewed here
Accelerator awarded $50,000 in prize money to catalyze relationships and develop Growth Accelerator Partnerships
Washington, Waterville, 5/18/2023 – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced Dirigo Labs as a Stage One winner for the 2023 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition. The Waterville-based accelerator will receive a $50,000 cash prize to build strategic partnerships supporting the launch, growth, and scale of STEM/R&D-focused small businesses by creating an SBIR/STTR media lab.
Dirigo Labs’ award-winning model will amplify the impact and success of Growth Accelerator Partnerships and will work to foster and facilitate a thriving national ecosystem that advances equitable investment in innovative high-growth small businesses. This year’s Competition has brought together organizations, entities, groups, and individuals beyond geographic boundaries to support innovators and innovation needed to confront the challenges of today.
“We are delighted to announce that Dirigo Labs has been awarded Stage One of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2023 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition,” states Garvan Donegan, Central Maine Growth Council’s Director of Planning, Innovation, & Economic Development. “Out of a highly competitive pool of 355 applications nationally, Dirigo Labs emerged as one of the 40 awardees. This prestigious recognition validates the hard work and dedication of our talented team at Dirigo Labs who have consistently pushed boundaries and fostered an environment of collaboration and innovation. The $50,000 prize money will further fuel our efforts to forge a transformative innovation hub, and associated accelerator partnerships, in downtown Waterville, the region, and beyond.”
Stage One winners were selected through a multi-tier review panel process with experts in entrepreneurship, business, innovation, and strategic planning inside and outside the federal government. Applications and pitch videos were reviewed by expert judges and submitted by the finalists.
Dirigo Labs will now compete for an additional $50,000 to $150,000 later this summer. From precision manufacturing and clean technologies to supporting national defense and community-driven economic prosperity, the real opportunity is now to build up innovation ecosystems and Dirigo Labs is eager to make an impact.
Stage Two cash prizes will support the “Growth Accelerator Partnerships” to further develop vital innovation ecosystems to fast-track the building and scaling of STEM/R&D-focused small businesses.
For more information about the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, please visit wwww.sbir.gov/accelerators
About Dirigo Labs: Dirigo Labs is a regional startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine. With a mission to grow mid-Maine’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs building innovation-based companies, the Dirigo Labs ecosystem brings together people, resources, and organizations to ensure the successful launch of new startups. Dirigo Labs operates under Central Maine Growth Council and is supported by several organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms. To learn more about Dirigo Labs, please visit www.dirigolabs.org
Sustainable Architecture Company receives cash prize sponsored by Skowhegan Savings Bank
Waterville, ME 5/9/2023 – Maine-based Croft secured a $25,000 prize sponsored by Skowhegan Savings Bank at the accelerator’s second pitch competition in Waterville. Based in Rockland, Maine, Croft creates high-performance buildings that actively sequester carbon from the environment. Co-founder Evan Ryan’s pitch featured plans outlining the company’s commitment to creating housing and sourcing materials from local farms, fields, and forests in Maine.
“At Croft, we make carbon-negative buildings made of all-natural materials for residential and commercial sectors. Built with our proprietary panel system, our buildings are fully customizable, super-insulated, vapor open, and designed to last for generations. Our mission is to reinvent the construction industry by demonstrating it’s possible to make buildings that improve the environment, structures that capture more carbon and greenhouse gasses than they produce. We know we can do better, and we aim to prove it,” states Evan Ryan, co-founder, and principal of Croft. “The relationships we established during the program – with partners, customers, mentors, and advisors – will provide the scaffolding we need to keep building and innovating, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the chance to be part of it. Earning $25,000 from Skowhegan Savings Bank was genuinely icing on the cake for us. Training the next generation of tradespeople in this state is arguably as important to us as building better buildings. We plan to put 100% of this funding towards launching our new Croft Apprentice Program.”
Hosted at the Maine Film Center, eleven companies competed for the cash prize. The judging criteria included the company’s pitch delivery, capital strategy, innovation, team, and potential for driving economic growth and job creation across Maine. The 12-week program guided startups through a targeted curriculum to execute their project plans, and each cohort company worked with a curated board of local and national mentors from various industries. Seminar topics included utilizing public-private sector grants and economic incentives, customer acquisition strategies, capital planning, and intellectual property evaluation.
“What an asset the Dirigo Labs Accelerator Program is to local business start-ups and entrepreneurs, in offering viable information and coaching to help them grow,” said Dan Tilton, executive vice president of sales and customer relations for Skowhegan Savings. “These companies are not only full of great ideas but most of them go on to be successful and create jobs right here in the state of Maine and as a Maine-based bank, this is what we like to see and align ourselves in supporting. All 11 of this year’s business cohort stood out as being exceptional in their own right and it was a tough decision that the judges had to make, but we would like to congratulate Evan Ryan and Croft for being this year’s $25,000 Skowhegan Savings pitch prize winner.”
Receiving the pitch competition prize, Croft was provided with a 2-year dedicated desk membership to Bricks Coworking & Innovation Space in Waterville. In addition to Croft’s dedicated desk, each company participating in the cohort received a two-year floating desk membership to Bricks. The audience choice award was presented to Waterville-based SledTRX, a web-based snowmobile trail mapping application.
“Croft’s dedication to manufacturing eco-friendly building envelopes and creating apprenticeships aligns perfectly with our mission of helping Maine-based startups launch successfully and become next-generation job creators; we are thrilled to see them win the $25,000 prize,” states Susan Ruhlin, managing director of Dirigo Labs.
For startups and potential mentors interested in learning more about Dirigo Labs, please visit www.dirigolabs.org.
Dirigo Labs is a regional startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine. With a mission to grow the greater Waterville area’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs building innovation-based companies, the Dirigo Labs ecosystem brings together people, resources, and organizations to ensure the successful launch of new startups. Dirigo Labs operates under Central Maine Growth Council and is supported by several organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms. To learn more about Dirigo Labs, please visit www.dirigolabs.org.
About Skowhegan Savings:
Skowhegan Savings Bank has been dedicated to strengthening Maine’s families, businesses, and communities by providing personalized and competitive banking services to the regions they serve for 150 years. An independent mutual savings bank based in Skowhegan, our mission is to provide customers with exceptional service in an innovative banking environment that effectively and efficiently puts the financial needs of the customer first. Skowhegan Savings takes pride in not only being a great place to bank but also a great place to work. For more information about Skowhegan Savings, please visit Skowhegan.com or contact our Customer Service line at 800.303.9511.
From Tech to Tourism: Dirigo Labs’ Pitch Competition Shines Spotlight on Maine’s Diverse Startups with 25K Up for Grabs
Waterville, ME 4/20/2023 – Dirigo Labs will host a pitch competition for its cohort companies at the new Paul J. Schupf Art Center in downtown Waterville on Thursday, May 4 from 5-8 pm. With 11 innovative and ambitious startups set to compete, the judges will have their work cut out for them as they evaluate each company’s pitch delivery, capital strategy, innovation, team, and potential for driving economic growth and job creation across Maine.
“Dirigo Labs is honored to host this annual pitch competition which provides a unique opportunity to highlight our amazing startup cohort in Waterville’s beautiful downtown,” said Susan Ruhlin, Dirigo Labs Managing Director. “Having Skowhegan Savings Bank in our corner not only allows us to award $25,000 to a spectacular founder but also helps us promote the incredibly innovative companies our entrepreneurs are building which ultimately benefits all of Maine.”
Serving as Waterville’s business accelerator, Dirigo Labs works with businesses to bring innovative and scalable ideas to market; this is the second cohort since the program’s inception in 2021. Competing in the Paul J. Schupf Art Center on Main Street in Waterville, 11 companies will each have 5 minutes to present their company to a panel of judges for a chance to win the $25,000 cash prize, sponsored by Skowhegan Savings Bank. The startups competing represent a range of industries, including healthcare, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and clean energy technologies.
“Skowhegan Savings Bank values creating opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed right here in central Maine, and I look forward to learning more about what each start-up is doing to leave their mark on Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” states Skowhegan Savings Bank Vice President of Commercial Banking and Dirigo Labs pitch competition judge John Butera. “Highlighting innovation within a range of industries, we are thrilled to invest in entrepreneurial development through our partnership with Dirigo Labs.”
The pitch competition is free and open to the public; individuals who are interested in attending the competition can register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/608737639667
Companies that will be participating in the pitch competition include:
Against the Grain is a closed-loop composting and analytics company that repurposes waste products from breweries, distilleries, and cideries, for animal feed.
Black Travel Maine is an experiential travel and tour service curating group trips for Black visitors to Maine using its proprietary booking platform.
Croft manufactures compact, prefabricated buildings using 100% bio-based materials that capture up to 60X more carbon than it takes to produce them.
FarmDrop is an online network of farmer’s markets providing access to quality local food with convenient community pickup and delivery.
Gel Hydration Technologies provides hydration solutions for working, service, and companion dogs to improve performance and quality of life, one animal at a time.
Home Grown Fuels is developing renewable energy facilities for Biochar, Graphene, Renewable Diesel, and Wood Vinegar for a cleaner energy future.
I-Tell Alert is a medical device company developing a smart sensor for walkers to achieve better outcomes for seniors.
Move Free is a premiere New England running and outdoor brand with a social impact mission.
ReMo is a web-based platform that helps students engage with books they love and allows educators to focus on instilling a life-long love of reading.
SledTRX is a statewide, interactive snowmobile map application enabling riders to explore new areas, plan trips, and find destination points along the way.
Tardigrade Industries is a protective products company building near helmet-level fragmentation protection eyewear for military and police personnel.
About Skowhegan Savings:Skowhegan Savings Bank has been dedicated to strengthening Maine’s families, businesses, and communities by providing personalized and competitive banking services to the regions they serve for 150 years. An independent mutual savings bank based in Skowhegan, our mission is to provide customers with exceptional service in an innovative banking environment that effectively and efficiently puts the financial needs of the customer first. Skowhegan Savings takes pride in not only being a great place to bank but also a great place to work. For more information about Skowhegan Savings, please visit Skowhegan.com or contact our Customer Service line at 800.303.9511.
Prize to be Awarded to Top Cohort Company During Demo Day Event in Waterville
Waterville, ME 3/30/2023 – Dirigo Labs is pleased to announce today Skowhegan Savings Bank will, once again, fund the pitch competition prize for its second cohort of Maine-based startups. The accelerator’s pitch competition will be held in downtown Waterville at the Maine Film Center on Thursday, May 4 from 5-8 pm. Judges will evaluate 11 individual startup’s pitch delivery, capital strategy, innovation, team, and potential for economic impact in Maine. The cohort cycle began on January 26 and is based at the Hathaway Creative Center in Waterville.
“Our foundation is pleased to again partner with Dirigo Labs to offer the pitch prize for their second accelerator program and pitch contest,” said David Cyr, president and CEO of Skowhegan Savings. “At Skowhegan Savings, we are here to support Maine entrepreneurs and their local businesses that continue to bring innovation into the state. We feel that this program is in alignment with our values, by giving these start-ups additional tools to set them up for success in the future. Last year, we saw 12 very impressive Maine start-ups and look forward to seeing what this year’s cohort brings to the table.”
The 12-week program guides startups representing various industries through a targeted curriculum and helps founders execute their individual project plans. Each cohort company is matched with a curated board of local and national advisors from various industries. Seminar topics included utilizing public-private sector grants and economic incentives, customer acquisition strategies, capital planning, and intellectual property evaluation. Dirigo Labs’ second cohort includes a dynamic composition of 11 startup companies and 1 Innovation fellowship from a diverse array of industries, including health care and manufacturing to clean energy technologies.
“We are grateful for Skowhegan Savings Bank’s investment in Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” stated Susan Ruhlin, Managing Director of Dirigo Labs. “With this funding, we can continue to support and elevate Maine’s innovators, empowering them to turn their ideas into reality and drive economic growth for our state.”
Dirigo Labs is a startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine. With a mission to grow the greater Waterville area’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs building innovation-based companies, the Dirigo Labs ecosystem brings together people, resources, and organizations to ensure the successful launch of new startups. Dirigo Labs operates under Central Maine Growth Council and is supported by several organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms. To learn more about Dirigo Labs, please visit www.dirigolabs.org
Event to be held at Bricks Coworking and Innovation Space in Downtown Waterville
Waterville, ME 1/20/2023 – Dirigo Labs will host a cohort kickoff event on Thursday, January 26 from 5:30-7:30 pm at Bricks Coworking and Innovation Space, located in downtown Waterville’s Hathaway Creative Center. The event showcase for the second cohort will feature eleven members and one R&D fellow, who will introduce their startups through a one-minute “pitch” highlighting their respective products or companies.
“At Dirigo Labs, we believe deeply in the importance of supporting startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses that drive economic growth. We look forward to working with these new companies as we continue to accelerate the growth of businesses throughout Maine,” said Dirigo Labs Program Manager Emalee Couture. “Dirigo Labs offers unique opportunities for collaboration, community building, and research and development, and we look forward to the fresh perspectives and innovative thinking our second group will contribute to our community.”
The event will begin with an introduction from inaugural cohort member and co-founder of Waterville-based biotech company GenoTyping Center for America, Michael Greene. The second launch is open to the public, with a range of companies featuring industries within manufacturing, outdoor recreation, energy, healthcare, education, and technology. Join us for an evening of networking, inspiration, and the opportunity to discover the next big innovation in Maine’s startup and entrepreneurial landscape.
The Dirigo Labs 2023 cohort companies are:
Real-Time Reality (R&D Fellow) is developing world-class custom VR experiences for enterprise and government clients to provide soft-skill training for a variety of industries.