MTI Offers Two February Workshops on the New Cluster Initiative Program

January 22, 2009

January 22, 2009

Contact: Hal Norvell or Roger Brooks
(207) 582-4790
hnorvell@mainetechnology.org
rbrooks@mainetechnology.org

GARDINER, Maine – The Maine Technology Institute (MTI) is holding a second round of workshops on its new Cluster Initiative Award Program: one in Portland on February 4 and the other in Orono on February 5. Participation in a workshop or a personal interview with MTI is required as a condition for submitting an application. March 26, 2009, is the deadline for applications for this recently announced Request for Applications (RFAs). The previous application round closed November 14, 2008, and awards will be announced on February 10, 2009.

“We’re pleased to be holding these additional workshops covering the new Cluster Initiative Program,” said MTI President Betsy Biemann. “Firms, service providers, research laboratories and educational institutions may all apply. These workshops will present information about the program and processes for application, review and award, as well as answer questions potential applicants might have.”

Roger Brooks, program manager, further explained, “The workshops will focus on the elements of a successful award application for a cluster project, and describe some previously successful cluster awards. Discussion will also cover collaboration among organizations, efforts to foster cluster growth and innovation leading to commercial success, and the application of best practices for cluster development in Maine and other regions of the country.”

The current Cluster Initiative Program, introduced in September 2008, replaced MTI’s previous Cluster Enhancement Award Program and increased available funding to $2 million per year. The program is designed to strengthen business networks, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and support projects that strategically advance Maine’s technology clusters.

There are two levels of Cluster Initiative awards. Awards of $50,000 or less for planning and feasibility studies may be applied for on a rolling basis. Awards up to $500,000 are called for through a Request for Applications (RFA) two times a year. The application deadline for this round of awards is March 26, 2009. Matching funds are required for both award levels, as well as participation in a workshop or a personal interview.

The workshops will run about two hours with time for questions and answers. Reservations are strongly encouraged to help MTI assure adequate space and seating. For reservations, call Linda Adams at MTI, 207-582-4790., ext. 206, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Reservations may also be left after hours on MTI’s voice-mail system and through e-mail at ladams@mainetechnology.org.

February 4, Wednesday
9 to 11 a.m.
Portland
Abromson Center, Room 213
USM, Portland Campus, Bedford Street

Directions: www.usm.maine.edu/abromson/directions.html

February 5,Thursday
10 am to 12 noon
Orono
Target Technology Center
University of Maine, Conference Center
20 Godfrey Drive

Directions: www.target.maine.edu/index.php/contactus

To learn more about the Cluster Initiative Program, the current RFA, the recently released report, Maine’s Technology Sectors and Clusters: Status and Strategy, and other MTI programs, visit www.mainetechnology.org.

MTI is a publicly financed nonprofit organization created by the Legislature in 1999 to encourage, promote, stimulate and support research and development activity leading to the commercialization of new products, processes and services in the state’s seven technology-intensive industrial sectors. Programs are designed to enhance the competitive position of those sectors and increase the likelihood that one or more of the sectors will support clusters of industrial activity and create new jobs. Visit www.mainetechnology.org for more information.

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