Maine Technology Institue (MTI)
Technology-related businesses would be hard-pressed to find a state more supportive and encouraging than Maine, thanks in large part to the Maine Technology Institute. MTI is a non-profit organization established by the state Legislature in 1999. MTI provides funding for private companies and research laboratories to support and promote research and development, and assist innovative Maine companies and inventors in getting their products to market.

MTI's support creates new jobs for Maine people in seven targeted technology sectors:

•	Aquaculture and Marine Technology
•	Advanced Technologies for Forestry and Agriculture
•	Biotechnology
•	Composite Materials Technology
•	Environmental Technology
•	Information Technology
•	Precision Manufacturing Technology

MTI's competitive awards require a one-to-one cash match by the recipient, and are based on scientific or technical merit, commercial feasibility, and positive economic impact on the state. MTI offers three award programs:

•	Seed Grants: Up to $12,500 per project to support early product development, commercialization, or business planning and development; awarded up to six times per year
•	Development Awards: Up to $500,000 per project; awarded three times per year
•	Cluster Enhancement Awards: Up to $500,000 per project for collaborative efforts that stimulate and support growth of technology businesses and infrastructure; considered monthly

MTI at work: In November 2003, MTI approved 21 projects totaling an investment of almost $2 million in up-and-coming Maine businesses.