Governor LePage joins “The Entrepreneur’s Journey” at TechWalk 2013

AUGUSTA—Governor Paul R. LePage joined more than 600 people who participated in last night’s TechWalk 2013 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. The annual showcase, hosted by the Maine Technology Institute (MTI), featured more than 60 MTI portfolio companies representing Maine’s expansive technology landscape. The event featured numerous networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, business leaders and investors—all with a goal of helping grow Maine’s entrepreneurial spirit. “I commend MTI for fostering the creation and growth of innovative Maine companies,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Through an annual Maine state appropriation, MTI is able to provide grants, loans and assistance to help develop and commercialize new technology. Those efforts have led to the creation of thousands of jobs and significant new private investment in our state.” Accompanying the Governor at this year’s TechWalk was Bob Martin, MTI’s President, Brian Whitney, Director of Business Development and Innovation for the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), and John Butera, Senior Economic Advisor to the Governor. The Maine Technology Institute is an industry-led, publicly-funded, nonprofit corporation, providing early-stage capital and commercialization assistance to growing businesses in order to generate high-quality jobs in Maine. MTI currently manages a $105 million portfolio in loans and grants, which is matched by a total co-investment of almost $139 million. Since 2000, MTI has funded nearly 1,300 technology projects in Maine. Photo: Governor LePage makes the rounds at TechWalk 2013. Here the Governor chats with Brittany Paul of Biovation (Boothbay) exploring the company’s newest product design – a moisture wicking and anti-fungal boot fiber for U.S. Marine boots.https://digitalmaine.com/governor_lepage_images/1024/thumbnail.jp