Maine aquaculture organizations win technology awards
USA: A total of USD 30 million in technology grants was awarded to fourteen applicants, including universities, nonprofit research centers and businesses. The money is meant to advance the development of new technologies and promote economic growth in Maine.
The Maine Technology Institute approved the funding, which stems from a USD 50 million bond issue approved by state voters in November. A second round of awards from the remaining USD 20 million will be awarded this fall.
"The projects that are receiving support today will develop and bring new technologies to market, boosting the state's economy and creating and sustaining good jobs for Maine people," Governor John Baldacci said in a press release.
"These are smart investments in our state's technology sectors to transition to a 21st century economy, building on our strengths. Over the years, these investments have generated new good paying jobs across our State and leveraged federal funding for path breaking centers of excellence."
Picked from among 66 applicants, the 14 recipients represent technologies that build on traditional industries such as agriculture, forestry and aquaculture, as well as genetics, nanotechnology, global positioning, high-resolution imaging, and ceramics and composites.
Among the recipients were some aquaculture related institutions:
• Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research, University of Maine, building capacity & excellence in Maine's marine aquaculture R&D infrastructure, Franklin, $2.6 million,
• Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research & Education, investing in Downeast Maine's Marine Resource-Based Economy, Beals, $1 million
• Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, Improvements to Maine's Aquaculture Business Incubation Infrastructure, Franklin, $360,548
