Events

Nov

2026

Better Maine 2026: Working With AI

12:30 pm - 5:15 pmIn Person

Location: Greene Block + Studios, 18 Main St., Waterville

Better Maine 2026: Working With AI is a half-day working summit for those interest in the topics involving artificial intelligence in the workplace. An afternoon built to bring together those who are on the frontlines of how Maine's workforce is adapting and adopting artificial intelligence tools and what it means for the future of our workforce. Who it's for: employers, HR and operations leaders, community leaders, educators, and workforce providers — especially the nine-person company with no IT department. When: Thursday, November 5, 2026, 12:30 – 5:15 PM. Doors open at 12:30 with light refreshments and the program starts at 1:00. The afternoon moves between Greene Block + Studios, 18 Main Street, Waterville. Now in its fifth year, Better Maine is hosted by the Central Maine Growth Council and Dirigo Labs in downtown Waterville. Space is limited to 100. Register here.

Nov

2026

Dirigo Launch Demo Day

5 pm - 7 pmvirtual

Location: Kennebec Valley Community College, 92 Western Ave, Fairfield, ME

The Fall 2026 Dirigo Launch Incubator cohort wraps up its 10-week program with Demo Day. After ten weeks of expert-led workshops, mentorship, and customer discovery, the participating Maine founders take the stage to pitch their early-stage ventures to the Dirigo Labs community. RSVP here.

Nov

2026

Back of the Napkin Challenge 2026

5 pm - 7 pmIn Person

Location: Kennebec Valley Community College, 92 Western Ave, Fairfield, ME

The Back of the Napkin Challenge is Dirigo Labs' annual pitch competition for student entrepreneurs from Thomas College, Colby College, and Kennebec Valley Community College. Each competitor starts with a business idea sketched on a napkin — a storefront, service, or product that could make life better in Mid-Maine — and nine finalists pitch live before a judging panel for cash prizes. This year's event is held alongside the Dirigo Launch Demo Day for an evening celebrating Mid-Maine entrepreneurship. RSVP here.

Past Events

Jul

2026

Federal Funding Summit

8 am - 3 pmIn Person

Location: Greene Block + Studios, 18 Main St, Waterville, ME

An Introduction to Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Programs Reserve Your Spot here.

Jun

2026

Dirigo Labs Speaker Series: Sarah Smith, Executive Director of StartUp Maine

5:30 pm - 7 pmIn Person

Location: Bricks Coworking and Innovation Space 10 Water St., Suite 110, Waterville, Maine

Join us for a discussion recapping Maine StartUp Week and the state of Maine's startup ecosystem with Sarah Smith, Executive Director of StartUp Maine. Food and refreshments will be provided.

Contact: Kaitlyn@centralmaine.org

May

2026

2026 Dirigo Labs Pitch Competition

5:30 pm - 8 pmIn Person

Location: Greene Block + Studios, 18 Main St., Waterville

12 companies pitching for $25,000 in prizes. Format: Companies will give 5-minute pitches. 2 minutes for judges to ask questions. Judges will be given a criterion, award categories and time to confer after seeing the pitches. Prize Sponsor: Skowhegan Savings Bank Limited seats available. Reserve your spot here. Learn more about the event, judges, and competing companies →

Watch the Recording

May

2026

From Innovation to Impact: Clean Tech Investing + Opportunity with Mike Jackson

5:30 pm - 7 pmIn Person

Location: Bricks Coworking and Innovations Space 10 Water St., Suite 110, Waterville

Join us for a forward-looking conversation with Mike Jackson, Managing Director of Earthshot Ventures, a leading climate-focused venture capital firm investing in high-growth companies driving environmental and economic impact.

Contact: Kaitlyn@centralmaine.org

Watch the Recording

Apr

2026

A Discussion on Startup Funding with Ralph Nodine, Maine Angels Chair Emeritus

5:30 pm - 7 pmIn Person

Location: Bricks Coworking Hathaway Creative Center 10 Water St. Waterville, Maine

Join the 2026 Dirigo Labs accelerator cohort, past cohort companies and members of the Maine startup ecosystem for this event. Food and refreshments will be provided.

Contact: Kaitlyn@centralmaine.org

Watch the Recording