The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs has announced the five finalists for its 2022 Top Gun program.
The finalists will compete May 26 at USM’s Hannaford Hall for the chance to win a $25,000 grant provided by the Maine Technology Institute.
The finalists were selected after a series of regional pitch events held last week in Bangor, Lewiston Auburn, and Portland. A total of 24 entrepreneurs participated in this year’s Top Gun program; each presented a five-minute pitch during the regional competitions to a panel of judges, followed by a brief question-and-answer period. Scoring was based on innovation, scalability, feasibility, and presentation.
The five 2022 finalists coming out of the regionals are:
- Bijou Build (Waterville) — A system of collapsible outdoor play structures with interchangeable panels.
- Finsulate (Portland) — FINSULATE is an eco-friendly bio mimicry based anti-fouling solution for boats and other watercraft.
- Rugged Seas (Portland) — Maine-made recycled fisherman’s gear turned into products and wearables with a percentage of profits going back to the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association and the Maine Lobstermen’s Association.
- Seaweed Evolution (Bangor) — Reduce methane gas in livestock by utilizing Maine’s red seaweed.
- Teach 2 Move (Lewiston Auburn) — Assisting with schools, coaches, and administrators to create a better understanding of the social emotional needs of athletes.
Last year’s winner was The Cubby, an online marketplace for student artists.
The final pitch competition will also feature a trade show where attendees can learn about and meet many of the 2022 Top Gun companies. To register for the Top Gun 2022 Showcase on May 26th, visit here.
MCE partnered with the University of Maine, the Maine Technology Institute, the Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council, and the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College to run this year’s program.
