Maine Algal Research Infrastructure and Accelerator

Tapping into the Potential of Algae to Power the Blue Economy

MARIA drives innovation by enhancing algae-related research infrastructure, expanding STEM training and workforce development programs, and strengthening collaborative networks with business development partners to help transform innovative ideas into practical businesses.

MARIA leverages the unique collection of more than 3,800 algal strains curated by Bigelow Laboratory’s National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota by:

• Unlocking knowledge for current and future research and applications by characterizing valuable algal processes, physiology, and metabolic compounds
• Providing STEM training to hundreds of students and mid-career individuals

HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?

• STUDENTS – Join our science-focused internship program, which is paired with business-focused opportunities
• EARLY-CAREER RESEARCHERS – Apply for our academic seed grants to support innovative algae-based ideas
• PROFESSIONALS – Join our professional short courses to navigate industry shifts or seek a career transition
• ENTREPRENEURS – Collaborate with us to pursue competitive funding from diverse sources
• INDUSTRY LEADERS & BUSINESSES - Innovate by leveraging our algal collection, expertise, and research infrastructure

OTHER SERVICES

• NETWORKING - Integrated engagement between cutting-edge research facilities, investors and entrepreneurs, scientists, workforce development organizations, and educators
• CONSULTANCY –Hourly consulting with experts and controlled-access to proprietary datasets
• INFRASTRUCTURE ACCESS - Use of our research infrastructure on a fee-for-service basis
• PRODUCT OPTIMIZATION AND SCALING - Outsourced optimization from product synthesis to pilot-scale production, utilizing traditional growth condition modifications and genetically engineered strains