Driving Maine’s Economic Future: Early-Stage Startups, Spanning Cleantech to Software, Accelerate Growth from Downtown Waterville.
WATERVILLE, ME, – November 3, 2025 — Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC) has launched the second cohort of the Dirigo Launch Incubator Program, an 8-week virtual program designed to support ideation-stage startups as they refine their ideas, identify target customers, and build strong business foundations.
Dirigo Launch equips participants with the tools and mentorship needed to move from concept to company, with programming centered on customer discovery, market research, and business model development. Each week, entrepreneurs engage in workshops, one-on-one office hours, and assignments that help them validate their ideas and define paths to growth.
“Dirigo Launch gives founders the structured support they need to test assumptions and bring innovative ideas to life,” said Muffadal Ali, Project Management Specialist at CMGC. “This cohort represents the creativity and drive found in communities around central Maine.”
The Fall 2025 Dirigo Launch cohort includes nine startups:
- BM Software – Matt Boulerice, Waterville
- D-Go – Jenn Williams, Fairfield
- Green Geans – Gina Mannarino, Biddeford
- Next Landing – Danielle Scarmazzo, Norridgewock
- OneBella – Dakota Hatch, Dixmont
- RIL – Hanks Ouyang, Portland
- Torus Time – Luke Brooks-Shesler, Waterville
- Unify – Abbie Anderson, Biddeford
- Viabole – Alyssa Snow, Bangor
This year, the Demo Day, sponsored by Coldwell Banker Plourde Real Estate, will be held as part of the Dirigo Innovation Challenge, a larger celebration of entrepreneurship in the region. The event will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Plourde’s Conference Room, 70 Main Street, downtown Waterville. Attendees will engage with local and regional entrepreneurs, view interactive startup displays, and witness hidden judging to select prize-winning ventures.
Dirigo Launch is part of Dirigo Labs’ ongoing mission to strengthen Maine’s startup ecosystem through mentorship, education, and partnerships that fuel innovation and regional economic growth.
For more information about the Dirigo Launch Incubator Program, visit https://www.dirigolabs.org/dirigo-launch-incubator/.
About Dirigo Labs:
Dirigo Labs, a program of the Central Maine Growth Council, is a regional and statewide 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.
About Dirigo Launch:
The Dirigo Launch Incubator Program supports ideation stage startups with innovative ideas, offering a solid foundation for early ventures. This 8-week program provides workshops, tailored homework, and office hours to help startups explore their market, identify target customers, and plan early-stage fundraising, along with specialized SBIR/STTR grant support. Additionally, customized technical assistance will be provided for startups and entrepreneurs in clean technology sectors, ensuring these companies receive tailored guidance within one of Maine’s key growth areas.
Last modified: November 5, 2025
