Maine Technology Institute awards UNE grant to strengthen Maine’s biotech workforce

The University of New England is expanding its research capabilities and regional impact through a $357,374 grant from the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) to support advanced life sciences infrastructure in Maine.

The funding will enable UNE to acquire new mass spectrometry equipment, housed within the University’s Bioanalytical Core at the Portland Laboratory for Biotechnology and Health Sciences. The instrument will be available as a shared resource to researchers, companies, and institutional partners across Maine and the broader region.

This investment by MTI reflects the state’s broader strategy to grow Maine’s life sciences sector, advanced by the Maine Life Sciences Center (MLSC), a statewide initiative housed within MTI.

Access to this type of specialized equipment is limited in Maine and northern New England, creating barriers for scientific research, company growth, and workforce development. By expanding shared access to high-end analytical tools, the investment helps address a key gap in the state’s life sciences infrastructure.

“Maine doesn’t have enough access to this kind of specialized infrastructure today, and that limits what companies and researchers can do here,” said Sarah Delmar, founding director of the Maine Life Sciences Center. “Investments like this are how we start to change that.”

UNE has been building its Bioanalytical Core as a hub for shared research infrastructure, supporting a growing network of academic, healthcare, and industry collaborators. This latest investment expands that capacity and strengthens UNE’s role in advancing life sciences research and innovation in Maine by breaking down barriers for scientists to make a meaningful impact on the health of the state’s people, communities, and natural environment.

The new system will enhance UNE’s ability to analyze complex biological and environmental samples, supporting research in areas such as drug development, precision medicine, and environmental health, while also strengthening collaboration with external partners across academia, healthcare, and industry — advancing capabilities for developing better-targeted patient care and ensuring the economic and ecological vitality of Maine’s fragile ecosystems.

“We see this as part of a broader effort to build shared research infrastructure that supports not just UNE, but the entire region,” said Karen L. Houseknecht, Ph.D., UNE’s vice president of Research and Innovation. “Access to this kind of technology is essential for advancing research, supporting industry, and training the next generation of scientists.”

In addition to advancing research, the instrument will play an important role in workforce development. Students at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard technology, preparing them for high-demand careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and related fields.

This investment represents one of several targeted efforts to strengthen Maine’s life sciences ecosystem by building the infrastructure, talent, and partnerships needed to support long-term growth. 

About the University of New England
The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, physician assistant program, and pharmacy school, in addition to a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts.

About the Maine Technology Institute (MTI)
Founded and funded in 1999 by the Maine State Legislature, MTI offers grants, loans, equity investments, and services to foster Maine’s innovation economy. MTI supports new ideas, products, or methods with the potential to grow and diversify Maine’s economy and increase the number of quality jobs throughout the state through direct support of innovators and through support of programs and infrastructure that encourage innovation. MTI bolsters and promotes innovators and innovative technologies in order to generate high-quality jobs across Maine, grow and accelerate revenues, and attract and leverage additional capital or other investments. MTI plays a key part in the State’s economic development strategy and is a significant driver in expanding research and development, creating new innovative ventures. Since its founding, MTI has distributed over $372 million across more than 4,000 distinct projects throughout the State of Maine. Learn more about the Maine Technology Institute at www.mainetechnology.org.

About the Maine Life Sciences Center (MLSC)
The Maine Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is a statewide initiative housed within the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) focused on accelerating the growth of Maine’s life sciences sector as a driver of economic development. MLSC works to define where Maine can compete and win, advance high-impact initiatives that create jobs and attract investment, and advocate for the state as a growing, investable life sciences market. MLSC collaborates with industry, research institutions, and healthcare partners to strengthen Maine’s innovation ecosystem and position the state for long-term growth.