The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration has awarded $20 million to Maine’s Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) announced on Monday.
The economic development initiative, which is led by the University of Maine, is home to researchers, workers, and firms that together work to extract biological building blocks from forests, manipulate them for use, and manufacture versatile products from the components.
“This funding is welcome news for the University of Maine, Maine’s forest products industry, and the many partners working to build a stronger economic future for our state,” said Sen. Collins, chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.
“I was proud to champion this forward-looking project, which will help find new and innovative ways to leverage our state’s bountiful natural resources, create good-paying jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and help ensure that the forest products industry remains a cornerstone of Maine’s economy for generations to come,” she added.
The Commerce Department originally announced an award for the Maine Tech Hub in January 2025, but later withdrew the funding and required it to recompete for the funding award.
Following the withdrawal of funding, Sen. Collins and her staff worked with the University of Maine and other project leaders to make adjustments and provide clarifications to the grant application to help ensure its approval by the department, according to her July 20 statement.
“Sen. Collins has been a tireless champion of Maine’s Tech Hub Program,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “We are pleased to announce our intention to fund this award, which will empower Maine’s innovators to develop new and advanced forest-based bioproducts, commercialize cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen domestic supply chains.”
Led by the university in partnership with the Maine Technology Institute, the Maine Department of Labor, the Maine National Guard, industry leaders, and economic-development organizations, Maine’s Tech Hub will support the development and commercialization of wood-derived alternative aviation fuel, advanced composites for construction, and safer packaging materials. The initiative will also expand workforce training and apprenticeship opportunities in advanced manufacturing, according to Sen. Collins’ statement.
Maine’s Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub was designated by the Commerce Department in 2023 as one of 31 Tech Hubs nationwide.