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As a state of abundant natural resources, Maine has developed a biotechnology industry predominantly centered around agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Maine is, however, also home to a sector of successful businesses and prestigious institutions engaged in biomedical research and development. Following recent ardent state support of related education, technology transfer and growth, the biotechnology industry in Maine has seen promising developments in recent years.

Biotechnology research related to agriculture, forestry and fisheries focuses both on the utilization and protection of Maine’s natural resources. Maine Resource, Conservation & Development (RC&D) organizations, such as Heart of Maine RC&D Area Inc., work to regulate and expand these natural resource industries. Encompassing companies such as Indian Meadow Herbals and institutions such as Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, this sector of the biotechnology industry is thriving and diverse.

Biomedical research and development has also enjoyed a long and significant history in Maine. The Jackson Laboratory, located in Bar Harbor, is an internationally-respected, non-profit biomedical research institution. Since its inception in 1929, the organization has grown to become the largest mammalian genetics research laboratory in the world. As one of eight Cancer Centers, designated by the National Cancer Institute, the Jackson Laboratory performs research to discover genetic factors related to cancer. The laboratory is also home to a variety of educational programs, ranging from high school internships to a cooperative Ph.D. program with the University of Maine.

Other notable non-profit institutions conducting research in Maine include the Foundation for Blood Research and the Maine Medical Center Research Institute.

Many successful for-profit biomedical businesses also exist in Maine, including IDEXX Laboratories, ViroStat, Binax and PharmX.

The University of Maine has spent the past two decades improving and expanding its biotechnological research facilities and programs, which now include numerous research and teaching laboratories. The university is home to Maine’s Center for Education and Research in Biotechnology, which allows students to take a variety of courses to prepare for a career in this field. Several departments offer biotechnological curriculum, including the Department of Biological Sciences and the School of Marine Sciences. The University of Southern Maine offers both undergraduate and advanced coursework in biotechnology through its Department of Applied Medical Sciences. Many of Maine’s technical colleges, such as Kennebec Valley Technical College, also offer biotechnology training.

In addition to supporting biotechnology programs at its state universities, Maine has developed several other programs to enhance the future of its biotechnology industry. Programs such as the Maine Science & Technology Action Plan and the Science & Technology Report Card initiate and evaluate the application of science and technology on the economy. The Maine Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) is a collaboration between the university system, local business and the federal government to invest and influence funding in building Maine’s research and development infrastructure. Its projects include the Center for Technology-Based Business Development, which promotes technology transfer.

Maine is home to several bioscience and technology incubators, such as the Maine Applied Technology Development Centers, including: the new 20-acre, $2.5 million Thomas M. Teague Biotechnology Center, currently under construction in Fairfield; the Loring Applied Technology Development Center in Limestone, which focuses on forestry and agriculture; and the Center for Environmental Enterprise in South Portland, which focuses on environmental technology.

The main problem facing the Maine biotechnology industry today is a lack of funding. The state has increased its research and development funding in an effort to improve the future of its economy and encourage venture capitalists to do the same. And while several reports show large increases in state, federal and private funding, Maine still falls below the national average in many indicators. If, however, current trends continue to improve, Maine is well-positioned to become an industry leader.