2026 MCE Summer Happenings
Over the past few months, the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs team have been crisscrossing the state and beyond to support founders, strengthen partnerships, and celebrate Maine’s growing innovation economy. From industry conferences and pitch competitions to food showcases and ecosystem events, Team MCE has been connecting entrepreneurs with the people, resources, and opportunities that help businesses grow.
This spring, MCE partnered with Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and Gulf of Maine Research Institute to host Algal Innovations: Beyond Food, a collaborative event exploring the emerging opportunities for algae in biotechnology, agriculture, materials, and climate innovation. The conversation highlighted the momentum building around Maine’s blue economy and brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across the region.
Shortly thereafter, Tom Rainey participated in Leadership in the High North 2026 in Bangor, where he served on a panel focused on Arctic business development, trade opportunities, and Maine’s role in the evolving North Atlantic economy.
The symposium included participation from the Icelandic Ambassador to the United States and leaders from academia, government, the Maine National Guard and industry.
In late April, several of the MCE team members spent time connecting with hospitality and tourism leaders at the Maine Tourism Conference, where conversations centered around workforce development, visitor experiences, and the important role entrepreneurs play in Maine’s tourism economy.
"Entrepreneurs are the driving force behind Maine's tourism economy. These individuals are shaping the visitor experience in exciting new ways and are keeping Maine's hospitality sector vibrant and growing." ~ Food Accelerator Program Manager, Naomi Neville"
MCE’s Food Accelerator team continued to champion Maine food and beverage brands this season through events like Tastemakers, where producers, buyers, and industry professionals gathered to celebrate innovation across Maine’s food ecosystem.
“Excited to attend the Gulf of Maine Tastemaker Awards presentations this year. The GMRI tastemaker program recognizes business and institutional partners who highlight local sourcing, innovation, and ecosystem leadership across the Gulf of Maine's communities and seafood systems.” ~ Emily Lane, Aquaculture and Seafood Specialist
Entrepreneurial energy was especially high throughout May as founders from across the state competed in our annual Top Gun regional pitch competitions. The Portland Regional Pitch-Off brought together an incredible group of emerging companies competing for a chance to advance to the statewide stage.
"After 16 years of seeing companies move through the Top Gun program, I am always so impressed with the continued innovation and impressive solutions our Maine Entrepreneurs come up with to fill needs in our ecosystems and this year is no different." ~ Laurie Johnson, Top Gun Program Manager
Congratulations again to this year’s regional finalists and statewide competitors for their hard work, creativity, and courage in stepping onto the stage to share their vision.
That momentum carried into the 2026 Maine Entrepreneurs Summit at the University of Southern Maine, where entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and ecosystem partners gathered for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration. Attendees heard from Maine State Economist Amanda Rector, participated in workshops and networking opportunities, and cheered on the finalists during the annual Top Gun Showcase competition.
This year’s Top Gun Showcase winner, Saco Bay Sea Farms, took home the $25,000 grand prize sponsored by Maine Technology Institute.
Thank you to all of our sponsors, speakers, judges, volunteers, and attendees who helped make this year’s Summit such a success.
To close out an already packed month, Team MCE joined entrepreneurs and partners at Startup Maine, connecting with founders from across the region during a week filled with programming, collaboration, and community-building events throughout Portland.
"The energy at Startup Maine was incredible—the week was a powerful reminder of our entrepreneurial community’s strength, collaboration, and commitment to building connections across the region." ~ Laurie Johnson, Top Gun Program Manager
As we head into summer, we’re excited to continue supporting entrepreneurs across Maine through our accelerator programs, mentorship network, workshops, and ecosystem partnerships. Thank you to everyone helping strengthen Maine’s entrepreneurial community, we’re proud to be building alongside you.
~The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs Team
