Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1020770
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 21 S E P T E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 8 F O C U S S TA R T- U P S / E N T R E P R E N E U R S rapid prototyping and 3D printing startup. "We don't judge each other at all. ere's no 'Your idea sucks' or any- thing like that. It's always about being optimistic, real and productive." Union River Center for Innovation began as a collaboration between the city and the Ellsworth Business Development Corp., which was established by the city in 2013 to attract new businesses and work with existing ones to expand their operations. e city development arm settled on two priorities aimed at revitalization: constructing a three- mile fiber optic broadband route and establishing a business incubator and co- working facility with a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). e focus was determined by the area's growth in those industries, particu- larly given e Jackson Lab's expan- sion this year into Ellsworth and the nearby research arms of the University of Maine and other higher education institutions, says Ellsworth Development Coordinator Micki Sumpter. e city bought a 5,000-square- foot concrete building, at 415 Water St., for $125,000. Built in the 1970s, it was move-in ready. e purchase was made knowing there were potential startups wanting to be in the area, says Sumpter. Union River Center for Innovation officially launched in 2016 with sup- port from private donors and eight founding partners: the city and its development corporation, Jackson Lab, UMaine, Maine Technology Institute, Maine Center for Entrepreneurial C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » Ben Polito President & Co-Founder, PIKA ENERGY " FAME helped Pika Energy raise over $1,000,000 in startup capital, and as we've grown, even more capital. Every Maine entrepreneur should know about FAME's programs to help grow their business!" Helping Maine Businesses Succeed Since 1983 1-800-228-3734 • FAMEmaine.com Best Places to Work in Maine 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 We live and work here, so we understand the unique needs of our community and your business. We take the time to get to know you because building relationships is a key to success. That's why so many of our business clients also consider us their friends. If you're looking for a dedicated banker who genuinely cares about your fi nancial well-being, we should talk. We're in the business of helping local businesses succeed. AUBURN • BRUNSWICK • LEWISTON • WINDHAM 207.786.5700 or Toll-Free 1.800.325.7553 MechanicsSavings.com Commercial Lending + Cash Management Team: Left to Right: Kristina Cote, Ray Teixeira, JoAnne Campbell, Jeffrey Gosselin, Justin Laverriere, Ed Powell and Pamela Reynolds. Union River Center for Innovation tenants include: Monoclonals Inc.: novel antibody producer GenoTyping Center of America: genetic testing service Eagre Games: video game developer PT3D: rapid prototyping and 3D printing SteriPEN: ultraviolet, handheld water purifier maker Pro31 Cleaning Solutions: cleaning service Gel Hydration Technologies: hydration solutions for dogs (planned move-in)