Alumni Companies
GTCA
The Genotyping Center of America (GTCA) aims to serve the research community with genetic testing services to support fast and efficient scientific discovery and technical quality. Founded in 2012, the GenoTyping Center of America (GTCA) provides highly-reliable genetic identification and DNA analysis to support biomedical researchers worldwide. With assay design expertise, sample processing, and cross-validated testing that delivers definitive results in 48-72 hours, GTCA is a revolutionary service for Maine and beyond.
Led by Michael Greene, CEO, Kat Taylor, Director of Business Development, and Todd Dehm, COO, the founders have a combined 50 years of experience in the biomedical industry. Their experience includes fostering strategic relationships, leading and scaling high-throughput labs, and identifying and developing commercialization opportunities.
Since joining the Union River Center for Innovation, GTCA has seen measurable growth in their organization. Using both the Center’s dedicated lab space, and GTCA’s own lab space in Waterville, ME, they have been able to make advancements in their field, including developing their business and growing their clientele.
In addition to an accessible community lab space in the Center and a high-speed Internet connection, GTCA has also utilized the Center’s connections to business experts and leaders to help grow their business. URCI provided GTCA with both support from the City of Ellsworth, creating connections with area business leaders who understand ownership. Additionally, GTCA enjoys the benefit of a leased space in the Center among other entrepreneurs, creating a sense of comradery and community among the companies in the Center. Lastly, GTCA is also thankful for the opportunity to meet with local business coaches who understand the challenges Maine small businesses face in certain areas of business, which have helped GTCA to fill their skill gaps and grow the company with experts.
To learn more about the Genotyping Center of America, please visit their website at: https://www.gtcasolutions.com/.
Novo Biosciences
Founded in 2013, Novo Biosciences, Inc. develops first-in-class small molecule drugs that activate intrinsic tissue regenerative capacity to reverse heart damage caused by heart attack, heart failure and cardiomyopathies. The company was located at the Union River Center for Innovation from 2019-2022. During their time in the business incubator program, the company made significant achievements, including completing its preclinical R&D program and securing VC funding to advance its lead asset into the IND workstream. They also helped the Center establish a more enhanced community laboratory space, through acquiring funding and donating equipment.
Eagre Games
Founded in 2015, Eagre Games was a video game development and design company. The company was founded with the intent to release a variety of non-violent and entertaining video games to a well-rounded audience. During the company’s time at the Union River Center for Innovation, a new game, Zed, debuted in June 2019. The company joined the business incubator program to grow their business and connect with other area business resources. Eagre Games owner, Chuck Carter, noted that the Center is a proactive environment entirely focused on its companies’ growth and credits the Center’s support while launching Zed, including access to marketing services and gathering community support.
To learn more about Eagre Games, please visit their website at: https://eagregames.com/.
Katahdyn
Hydro-Photon, a Blue Hill, Maine based company, was acquired by Katadyn, a Switzerland based company, in 2017, while the company was located at the Center. As part of the acquisition, certain Hydro-Photon employees were retained by Katadyn, which after touring the Center, agreed to retain R&D efforts at the Center’s location. Katadyn is the market leader for portable, personal water treatment systems and products for the outdoor and marine industries.
Monoclonals
Relocating from the Philadelphia area in order to find affordable lab space and the entrepreneurial resources necessary to grow her business, Christine Soto, owner of Monoclonals, participated in Union River Center for Innovation’s business incubator program.Her company focused on developing antibodies that could be incorporated into test kits to create rapid, or point-of-care diagnostics, particularly on rare diseases, where diagnostics and reagents do not yet exist. During her time at the Center, the company received grant funding from the Maine Technology Institute to purchase equipment and supplies.
Bub n’ Muthas
Combining a love of barbeque with a Maine attitude, this company was founded as a home-based business in Winter Harbor, Maine before moving to the Union River Center for Innovation in 2022. John Fuhrman, owner and veteran, combines Maine flavors to create uniquely Maine dry rubs and spices. John credits the Center for his rapid growth, which was substantial enough to expand his market and for him to relocate to South Carolina. You can learn more about John’s entrepreneurial journey by viewing our Riverside Chat series, as well as on his website.
