Waterville, ME- September 18, 2025 — Dirigo Labs, a program of the Central Maine Growth Council, in collaboration with Thomas College, Kennebec Valley Community College, and Colby College, is excited to announce the 3rd annual Back of the Napkin Challenge, an ideation competition that invites students to pitch creative business concepts designed to make a positive impact in our communities. This year, the event is evolving into an even bigger celebration of entrepreneurship by combining with the Dirigo Launch Incubator Demo Day, showcasing early-stage startups from across the mid-Maine region.
Under the theme “Sketch ME the Future: From Napkins to Neighborhoods,” students will explore how small ideas can turn into meaningful solutions for our local communities, whether through new products, services, storefronts, or technologies. Participants will have the opportunity to access entrepreneurial training through Dirigo Labs, including sessions on customer discovery and business modeling, assisting them in refining their concepts and exploring the possibilities of entrepreneurship.
The culminating event, Dirigo Innovation Evening, will bring together Back of the Napkin finalists and Dirigo Launch participants for an inspiring showcase of innovation. Attendees can expect a dynamic evening featuring student pitches, startup demos, and a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and local impact. Monetary prizes will be awarded to standout student ideas, highlighting the entrepreneurial talent emerging from the region’s colleges.
“By combining student ideation with our Dirigo Labs startup ecosystem, we are creating a unique opportunity for young innovators to see how their ideas can evolve into real businesses,” said Mufaddal Ali, Project Manager at Dirigo Labs. “This event celebrates not just individual creativity, but the power of collaboration across our community and educational institutions.”
The Back of the Napkin Challenge and Dirigo Launch Demo Day will be held together on Thursday, November 13th, at the Plourde Conference Room, 70 Main Street in downtown Waterville, Maine. The evening is open to the public, offering a chance to experience Maine’s next generation of entrepreneurs in action.
For more information about the Back of the Napkin Challenge, student participation, or attending the Innovation Evening, visit https://www.dirigolabs.org/back-of-the-napkin-challenge/.
About The Halloran Lab for Entrepreneurship at Colby College
The Halloran Lab for Entrepreneurship at Colby College offers entrepreneurship education and practical opportunities aimed at preparing Colby students to be effective innovators and entrepreneurs—whether they are creating dynamic new business or social ventures or improving existing organizations or programs. The lab provides funding for students to start commercial and social enterprises, mentorship, as well as innovation and maker spaces. The Halloran Lab drives an ever-growing entrepreneurship ecosystem that engages students, alumni, faculty, staff, and Colby community members as well as companies, organizations, and institutions.
For more information, visit https://www.colby.edu/halloran-lab-for-entrepreneurship/
About Kennebec Valley Community College
Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) is a 2-year comprehensive community college in mid-Maine serving students from Somerset, Kennebec, and Knox counties and well beyond. KVCC has two campuses in the heart of Central Maine – our 70-acre Fairfield Campus, which is readily accessible by I-95, and our 600-acre Harold Alfond Campus just seven miles north. KVCC’s Workforce Training and Professional Development office provides a wealth of short-term training that is targeted toward business and industry and professional development. KVCC is a collegial environment emphasizing student success and respect for a diverse population of employees, students, and community members. For more information, visit https://www.kvcc.me.edu
About Thomas College
Thomas College, located in beautiful Waterville, Maine, is defining what it means to be the College of the Future. With a strong commitment to innovation, career readiness, and community partnerships, Thomas College is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of Maine’s top colleges for social mobility. Our distinctive Guaranteed Job Program™, accelerated undergraduate degrees, and flexible graduate programs empower students to advance faster in business, entrepreneurship, education, technology, applied STEM, and arts & science fields. At Thomas, belonging isn’t a buzzword; it’s a promise. We create a supportive, welcoming environment where every student is seen, valued, and prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For more information visit thomas.edu or contact MacKenzie Riley Young at mediarel@thomas.edu or 207-859-1313. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
About Dirigo LabsDirigo Labs, a program of the Central Maine Growth Council, is a regional startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine. With a mission to grow mid-Maine’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs who are building innovation-based companies, the Dirigo Labs ecosystem brings together people, resources, and organizations to ensure the successful launch of new startups. Dirigo Labs operates under the Central Maine Growth Council and is supported by several organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms. For more information, please visit www.dirigolabs.org.
Last modified: September 19, 2025
