MEIF @ USM is an economic development investment tool that supports research and innovative solutions that address the challenges of Maine communities, businesses, and industries in specific sectors. Through providing financial support for USM faculty and professional staff initiatives working with Maine partners, MEIF promotes economic growth and workforce development involving these target areas and their support systems:
- Biotechnology
- Aquaculture and marine technology
- Composite materials technology
- Environmental technology
- Advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture
- Information technology
- Precision manufacturing technology
MEIF @ USM Supports
Research
- Multi-disciplinary partnerships with businesses and industries involving applied research (research, evaluation, and technical assistance) that solve practical or long-term community or business problems
- Collaborations between entrepreneurs and USM faculty/staff that result in product or service innovation and commercialization
- Research initiatives that promote collaborative work with North Atlantic and Arctic partners
- Matching funds required in proposals for extramural funding
- Small research equipment
Workforce development and student support
- Student internship programs
- Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP)
- Graduate research assistantships