As an ocean science leader, Bigelow Laboratory is helping Maine bring to bear its competitive advantages to position the state at the forefront of this emerging industry in New England. Follow along with our work in this transformative area.
Bigelow’s Blue Biotech Bulletin: May 2026
From May 19-22, Bigelow Laboratory colleagues Sarah Meyers, Paige Norris, Mike Lomas, and Manoj Kamalanathan represented the Maine Algal Research Infrastructure and Accelerator (MARIA) project at the National Science Foundation’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Annual Summit in New Orleans.
EPSCoR, which funds MARIA, is a federal-state partnership that enhances research capabilities in participating states and territories, creating opportunities for collaboration and funding and increasing STEM capacity.
The team presented their progress toward the project’s three key goals (science, use-inspired solutions, and training and workforce development) while outlining next steps in each area.
Beth Orcutt, Bigelow Laboratory’s vice president for research, participated on Startup Maine Week’s Stronger Together: Building Maine-Canada Commercial Partnerships panel. Held at Northeastern’s Roux Institute, the conversation brought together five leaders to discuss cross-border collaboration, regional strengths, and opportunities to build a more connected international innovation corridor. Learn more about the panel and meet the other participants here.
About the Blue Biotech Bulletin:
Maine researchers and entrepreneurs are unlocking the potential of algae, seaweed, shellfish, and marine microbes to develop novel products and materials. These blue biotechnology innovations not only strengthen the state’s economy but also contribute to global efforts to increase health, sustainability, and resilience.
We regularly share events, reports, convenings, and other leadership opportunities where our researchers and colleagues are advancing this important work in our state. Together, these efforts highlight how blue biotechnology can diversify Maine’s economy, create high-quality jobs, and inspire the next generation of ocean innovators while building off the state’s treasured maritime history.
