Forest Biomaterials Innovation Center

Consistent with the opportunities identified by FOR/Maine, this project would build and equip the Forest Biomaterials Innovation Center, a 7,500-square-foot extension of the existing University of Maine Process Development Center innovation where researchers and entrepreneurs developing new, forest-based products to transition their ideas from the lab bench to pilot scale. A pilot-scale demonstration is needed to commercialize new technologies. The lack of such facilities hinders the development of new markets for wood and wood residuals and thus jobs and economic opportunity for Maine’s forest economy and dependent rural communities. Funding of $7 million is through FY24 Congressional Directed Spending secured by U.S. Sens. Collins and King at the request of UMS. A design firm has not been selected. Design is anticipated to start later this winter, with construction beginning in the spring of 2026.