Strategic Partners & Initiatives

Maine Center for Entrepreneurs

The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs aims to build and lead a community of growth-oriented businesses in Maine by providing training, connections, coaching, and mentorship to successfully grow their ideas, products, and services. MARIA provides a framework to connect these resources and accelerate the entry of entrepreneurs’ creative ideas into the blue economy.

Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory

The MDI Biological Laboratory (MDIBL) plays a critical role in pioneering research focused on human health and the mechanisms involved in regeneration and aging. MDIBL is working with MARIA to accelerate the integration of algae-derived biochemicals into the human health sector.

Colby College

The Halloran Lab for Entrepreneurship at Colby College provides entrepreneurship education and training programs, funding for students to start commercial and social enterprises, and mentorships, as well as innovation and makerspaces on campus and in downtown Waterville.

Southern Maine Community College

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC)’s educational goal is to provide students a different path for college with affordable options. In collaboration with MARIA, SMCC will develop new programs on algae biology, encourage the use of algae in biotechnology, and support hands-on internship opportunities.

University of New England

University of New England (UNE) is Maine's largest independent university with a strong focus on hands-on training. The UNE School of Marine & Environmental Programs serves as a research incubator for forward-looking marine research with a focus on aquaculture and aquaponics. With that expertise, MARIA is advancing the role of algae in these sectors.

Maine EPSCoR

Maine EPSCoR at the University of Maine develops statewide partnerships between higher education institutions, industry, government, and others to affect lasting improvements to Maine’s R&D infrastructure, capacity, and national competitiveness.

University of Maine

The products and discoveries catalyzed by MARIA will seamlessly integrate with existing industries in Maine and facilitate new opportunities in line with the Maine Innovation Economy Action Plan, providing broad benefits to the whole state.

USDA - National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center

The mission of the National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center is to conduct research that will solve problems limiting production efficiency of coldwater marine aquaculture. The current primary research focus is genetic improvement using an applied selective breeding program to increase efficiency and sustainability of Atlantic salmon culture.

Crystal Spring Farm

Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick protects groundwater in a significant aquifer and waters flowing into Maquoit Bay. The farm conserves land while promoting local agriculture and supporting diverse community needs.

Northern Maine Development Commission NMDC

Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC) is a membership organization composed of participating communities and counties in the Aroostook-Washington Economic Development District, which provides federal and state services at the regional and local levels. NMDC’s priorities are to expand, diversify, and attract business and industry in the region.

Kansas State University

We are proud to partner with Kansas State University’s Office of Education and Innovation to develop a coordinated outreach program to integrate diverse participants and continually evaluate our program to improve recruitment and engagement with algal focused initiatives.

Algae Biomass Organization

The Algae Biomass Organization strives to deliver on the shared mission to promote and accelerate the power of algae to create a step change in the health and well-being of humanity and the environment.

Algae Foundation

The Algae Foundation aims to promote the power of algae to transform human society and the environment upon which it depends and to facilitate a future in which algae are a fundamental source of energy, nutrition, products, and ecological services for sustainable societies globally.

NSF

This project is funded by the NSF ESPCoR Research Incubators for STEM Excellence RII program. Learn more about the $7 million award.