The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, a high-tech graduate education and research institute in Portland, recently announced the six companies that will join its inaugural Startup Residency program, an accelerator that will give participating companies access to Northeastern’s resources and research surrounding artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The program’s goal is to grow the participating businesses exponentially while adding vibrancy to Maine’s startup ecosystem.

The six companies are:

  • KinoTek, a digital health startup that uses computer vision technology to gather motion capture data that it then uses to create computer visualizations of the human body, which provides actionable data and insights to clinicians.
  • Forerunner, which is developing a floodplain management software platform.
  • Hydronet, which is developing a high-speed underwater WiFi platform.
  • Lief, a company in southern Maine developing a new model of childcare that leverages technology to match-like minded families and place qualified, vetted providers in homes.
  • New England Marine Monitoring, a fisheries technology company providing camera-based, modernized fisheries-monitoring services to New England fishermen.
  • UNAR Labs, a software company building innovative digital tools and tech to allow people with visual impairments to access information via digital media.

More than 40 companies applied for the Roux Institute’s inaugural cohort, according to Chris Wolfel, the institute’s director of entrepreneurship. He said the team was the most important factor in determining which companies were accepted into the program.

“You can have the market and problem nailed down, and be in a really strong position, but a company with the wrong team will ultimately fail,” Wolfel said.

The announcement was made via an online event (recording is available here) that featured several of the founders.

“As a climate adaptation startup working with governments, we’re looking forward to building our presence in Portland, where so much govtech talent is based,” said Susana Pho, co-founder of Forerunner. “The residency offers us a chance to do so while also accessing the Roux Institute’s extensive network of corporate partners and researchers.”

“Maine has an incredible opportunity right now,” Wolfel said. “Tremendous talent and entrepreneurs are leaving traditional hubs like Silicon Valley, New York, and Boston, and the industry is opening their eyes to opportunities in places they simply haven’t looked before.”