Lawmakers green-light $35M for UMaine’s bio-based ‘factory of the future’
New England Council member, University of Maine, has been approved for $35 million in funding to build a new digital research laboratory. These funds were made possible under the omnibus spending bill that President Joe Biden signed into law last week. This facility is an initiative of UMaine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center and is a “factory of the future” according to UMaine. It is being created to advance “large-scale, bio-based additive manufacturing,” using technologies such as artificial intelligence and 3D printers.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, (R-ME) was a key advocate on behalf of UMaine for this $35 million in funding. The cost of building this facility is expected to total $75 million. According to UMaine, the center’s new capabilities could lead to technology development in the affordable housing industry, clean energy industry, transportation industry, and more.
When asked about this facility and what it could mean for Maine residents, University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy stated, “This investment in Maine’s only R1 research university is an investment in the students, innovation and economic development, and the people of this state.”
The New England Council congratulates the University of Maine on receiving funding for its new digital research lab facility and looks forward to how this facility will benefit Maine and its residents.
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