Executive Order 2: An Order Establishing the Maine Life Sciences Innovation Center

WHEREAS, Maine’s growing life science sector represents a vital component of the State’s economy, with emerging opportunities across biomedical research, marine biology, agriculture, forestry, and data science; and

WHEREAS, the life sciences sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors of Maine’s economy, employing nearly 10,000 people, contributing $2.3 billion annually to state GDP, and providing wages that are 1.7 times higher than the state average; and

WHEREAS, innovation in life sciences contributes directly to the well-being of Maine people through advancements in human and animal health, environmental resilience, workforce development, and economic growth; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine recognizes the need for a dedicated, coordinated, and strategic approach to support research, development, commercialization, and investment in the life sciences sector; and

WHEREAS, the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) was established to support Maine’s innovation economy through sponsorships, investments, and partnerships that promote innovation and entrepreneurship, generate high-quality jobs, expand research and development, accelerate revenues, attract additional investment, and foster the commercialization of new products and services in the State’s technology-intensive sectors; and

WHEREAS, MTI’s mission includes advancing innovation across seven core technology sectors, all of which are relevant to life sciences applications, making MTI a natural institutional home for this initiative; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature has demonstrated broad bipartisan support for growing Maine’s life sciences economy;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, pursuant to authority conferred by Me. Const. Art. V, Pt. 1, §§ 1 & 12, do hereby Order as follows:   

1. Establishment, Purposes, Membership, and Duties
   The Maine Life Sciences Innovation Center (the Center) is established within the Maine Technology Institute to support life science innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in Maine.
2. Purposes
   The Center is established to serve the following purposes:
   1. Leverage and expand Maine’s life science sector by supporting collaborative research, workforce training, entrepreneurial ventures, and seeking capital investment;
   2. Advance life science innovation and sector research across disciplines, including human and animal health, marine sciences, agriculture, forestry, and data science;
   3. Coordinate with public and private partners, educational and research institutions, nonprofit organizations, and business stakeholders to strengthen Maine’s innovation ecosystem;
   4. Investigate opportunities for grants, loans, and other resources to support life science entities;
   5. Develop strategies to attract federal, philanthropic, and private investment;
   6. Support the successful launch of the shared lab infrastructure awarded through MTI’s 2025 RFP, ensuring that it is integrated into Maine’s broader economic development framework;
   7. Submit an interim report to the Governor within 180 days of the appointment of all Center members. This report must include:
      1. A description of the Center’s operations to date;
      2. Proposed and projected activities for the ensuing fiscal year;
      3. Recommendations for future actions necessary to achieve the Center’s goals;
   8. Consider whether and how the Center should be established with separate statutory authority to operate as an independent, quasi-governmental entity;
   9. Advise the Executive Director of MTI on matters related to life sciences innovation; and
   10. Report regularly to the Legislature regarding its operations, activities, and recommendations.
3. Membership
   1. The Center shall be comprised of nine voting members, and 1 ex officio member, including:
      1. the Commissioner of DECD, or the Commissioner’s designee, who shall serve as a non-voting member;
      2. Nine members appointed by the Governor, upon the recommendation of the Finance Authority of Maine and MTI, with expertise spanning the life sciences sector and its allied disciplines including representatives of industry, life science entrepreneurs, research institutions, academia, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, investors, and counties, including rural counties.
   2. Center members must disclose any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any matter coming before the Center, and recuse themselves from any participation in the consideration of such matters.
   3. The Governor shall designate a Chair who will preside at, set the agenda for, and schedule Center meetings. The Center shall meet as often as it deems necessary to perform its work. To the extent practicable, the Center should conduct its work in a manner that is open and accessible to the public.  Records, proceedings and deliberations of the Center are not subject to the requirements of 1 M.R.S. c. 13, in accordance with sections 402(2)(F), (3)(J) and § 403(6) of that Chapter. The Center may conduct its work through subcommittees.  
      1. Staffing and Support
         1. MTI shall provide staff as may be necessary to fulfill the Center’s mission and may seek assistance from other state agencies and private entities to accomplish the goals and work of the Center; 
      2. Effective Date
         
         This Order is effective immediately upon signature.