In September, Maine kicked off a new program to bring jobs and green tech development to the state through a grant of almost $1 million, the Maine Monitor reported.
The program is called the ClimateTech Incubator, and it's funded with $975,000 from the Governor's Energy Office. Run by the Roux Institute in Portland, it is starting out with a dozen startup companies — though the institute plans to bring in many more innovators over time.
Jon Wallace, an attendee at the program's launch, is a part-time lecturer in engineering at Northeastern. He is participating as both the head of one of the companies being sponsored and as an "entrepreneur in residence" who will coach other participants.
"The energy level is just off the charts," he said of the event, per the Maine Monitor.
Wallace's company is developing a product to calculate how pilots of smaller planes can create less heat-trapping air pollution on their flights. He thinks the ClimateTech Incubator offers a unique opportunity.
"It's hard to find a place with more leading climate scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and investors," he said. "I'm confident … that we're going to really be able to make a difference on … climate change."
Get a new phone with unlimited 5G and zero activation fees — for just $40 a month Metro by T-Mobile gives you smart value, whether you need a new phone or are just looking for a better plan. This holiday season, get a free 5G phone with no activation fees, for just $40/month. That includes unlimited talk and text, already bundled with taxes and fees. Or, keep your existing phone and number and get unlimited 5G for just $25/month. Either way, enjoy T-Mobile’s Scam Shield technology at no extra cost. Plus, you can even level up to an iPhone 16e this month. Just bring your number and ID and sign up for $50 with the auto pay plan. Learn more → |
Other startups participating in the program include Bluesonde Technologies, which is developing buoys fitted with sensors to test water quality for researchers and companies. Co-founder John Williams told the Maine Monitor that these buoys could also be used to scout locations for offshore wind and aquaculture purposes, in addition to aiding in carbon removal efforts.
Another company in the program, Enodia, is developing an AI-driven analysis tool to find weak points in the grid that are vulnerable to climate disasters such as floods. Those areas can then be targeted for infrastructure upgrades.
Entrepreneurs praised the ClimateTech Incubator for bringing them together to exchange ideas, as well as offering the Roux Institute's office and lab space to help them develop products.
Dan Burgess, director of the Governor's Energy Office, was enthusiastic about the green technologies headed to Maine, the Maine Monitor reported.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
"I believe that the challenges presented by climate change are great, but they're exceeded by the opportunity that we have to build an economy here in Maine, and to move Maine forward," he said at the ClimateTech Incubator's launch.
Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
