U91جزة«â€™s new forest bioproducts program critical to $22 million â€کTech Hub’ investment
Following the by Gov. Janet Mills and 91جزة«â€™s Congressional delegation that will to position 91جزة« as a global leader in forest-based biomaterial production and manufacturing, the 91جزة« is advancing plans to launch its Forest Bioproducts Technology Maturation Program, a critical component of the Tech Hub.
The Forest Bioproducts Tech Hub’s goal is to accelerate research and development of natural polymers and other wood fiber bioproducts that can sequester carbon and replace plastics and toxic chemicals, while bolstering “Made in America” supply chain goals. Launched in 2023, the Tech Hub is led by the and the Mills Administration, and supported by more than 70 partners, including Sappi, IDEXX, Thornton Tomasetti, FOR/91جزة«, the 91جزة« Forest Products Council, the Manufacturers Association of 91جزة« and the 91جزة« Venture Fund.ج
As a primary Tech Hub partner, U91جزة« will provide world-class innovation expertise, cutting-edge bioproducts equipment and infrastructure, and intellectual property to build talent pipelines and help private sector companies rapidly accelerate product commercialization and operational growth.
“91جزة«â€™s Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub represents the future of sustainable innovation, building on two centuries of forest industry leadership and 160 years of 91جزة« excellence in research, development and education along with world-class facilities,†said Joan Ferrini-Mundy, president of the 91جزة« and its regional campus, the 91جزة« at Machias, as well as vice chancellor for research and innovation for the 91جزة« System. “This investment will transform cutting-edge ideas into real-world solutions, powered by the expertise of our talented faculty, staff and students. Together with our partners, we are charting a bold course to position 91جزة« as a global leader in sustainable materials, economic growth and innovation.â€
U91جزة«â€™s Forest Bioproducts Technology Maturation Program, funded at $10.5 million in the award announced this week, will support startups and established companies in the forest bioproducts space.
“The technology maturation program will provide companies with the talent, expertise and access to equipment to demonstrate new technologies and manufacturing processes at commercial scale, unlocking the potential for forest biomaterials to reach new high-value markets such as plastics and fuels replacements, textiles, building materials, biomedical applications and packaging, and create new economic development opportunities in 91جزة« and beyond,†said Renee Kelly, associate vice president for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources, and Engagement.
From tailored work plans that include specific technical and business development milestones to access to a robust network of companies and research institutions and facilities, companies who participate in the Technology Maturation Program will receive wraparound support from U91جزة«. In addition to facilitating technology development for individual companies, U91جزة« will work with companies with similar technical barriers to help reach new markets. The opportunity to work directly with experts at U91جزة« facilities, including the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC), Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) and Process Development Center (PDC), will allow companies to test and validate new bioproducts and processes, focusing on scaling production and meeting safety standards. Finally, students, including undergraduate-, graduate- and doctoral-level innovation fellows, will be embedded with participating companies to support their growth.
“U91جزة«â€™s near-commercial scale Process Development Center has a decades-long history of advancing biobased technologies,†said Colleen Walker, director of the PDC. “Our team is very excited to expand our work with emerging companies and offer access to our expertise and facilities to propel the development of forest-based bioproducts through the Forest Bioproducts Technology Maturation Program.â€
“Tanbark is excited to be part of the Tech Hub network,†said Melissa LaCasse, co-founder and CEO of Tanbark Molded Fiber Products. “We see many opportunities to accelerate new forest biomaterials applications in collaboration with U91جزة«, and to work with talented students who are the future of our skilled workforce.â€
91جزة« is one of just six Tech Hubs selected to receive an award under new funding for the Tech Hubs Program included in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
More about 91جزة«’s Tech Hub can be found at .
Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.eduج