Roux Institute at Northeastern University

Open Door with Garry Jenkins, President of Bates College
2025-09-17 08:00 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, 100 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101
Garry Jenkins, President of Bates College will sit down with Maine Trust for Local News managing director, Stefanie Manning for a conversation at the Roux Institute at Northeastern University on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., coffee and light breakfast will be available.

Chatbot 101 with Jimi Michel
2025-09-29 08:00 - 17:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
The Chatbot 101 Workshop is your first step into the world of AI-powered innovation! In this interactive session, you’ll learn the basics of chatbot design, collaborate with fellow Roux Institute students from diverse programs, and prototype real-world solutions connected to your field of study and interests or industry.
You’ll also get the chance to present your final work in front of an experienced industry panel for feedback, gain certification, and leave with a future-ready skill that sets you apart in today’s AI-driven world, all with no coding background required!

Discover Khoury College of Computer Sciences
2025-10-07 15:30 - 16:30
Whether you are looking to advance your tech career, specialize in a specific area, or break into tech, Northeastern University’s Discover Khoury webinar will provide you with information on the myriad programs that Khoury College of Computer Sciences offers to help you meet your goals.
Join us for an opportunity to:
Discover which program is the best fit for you.
Learn about Khoury programs and career outcomes.
Meet current Khoury students.
Please note: Participants must hold a bachelor’s degree or be nearing college graduation.
Register now to secure your spot. Details to join virtually will be sent to your email.
If you have any questions, please email c.smith@northeastern.edu.

Magnetize Maine: Future Workforce Summit
2025-10-10 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
Presented by PROPEL in collaboration with the Maine Development Foundation, Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Northeastern University’s Roux Institute.
Magnetize Maine brings together employers, educators, and emerging leaders to reimagine Maine’s workforce of tomorrow. The summit will feature thought-provoking panels, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities designed to connect talent with opportunity. Attendees will explore strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining Maine’s next generation of workers. This high-energy event will spotlight success stories while tackling the challenges of building a vibrant, future-ready economy.
This year’s Future Workforce Summit features dynamic speakers and engaging panels on critical topics including:

Workforce Housing, Childcare & Transportation
Community Stewardship
Hospitality & Tourism
The Evolving Workforce — and much more!

Wave Making: An Evening of Impact with Author David E. Shaw
2025-10-14 16:00 - 18:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
Join renowned entrepreneur, conservationist, and philanthropist David Shaw for an inspiring evening exploring the power of impact-driven leadership. Shaw will share insights from his remarkable career founding and guiding science-based companies and global conservation initiatives. This event will highlight how business, science, and social good intersect to create lasting change. Guests will leave energized by stories of innovation, advocacy, and bold ideas that make waves in Maine and beyond.

About David Evans Shaw:

David Evans Shaw is CEO of Black Point Group and a prominent American business and social entrepreneur with wide-ranging global leadership experience in science-driven companies, investment management, and social impact initiatives. He founded IDEXX Laboratories and served as founding CEO and chair of Ikaria Pharmaceuticals and co-founder of Covetrus, among other leadership roles in firms advancing healthcare and environmental innovation. Shaw’s public service includes appointments as faculty at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, treasurer emeritus of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and chair emeritus of The Jackson Laboratory. A leader in science-based conservation, he has served with the National Park Foundation, International Union for Conservation of Nature, and Ocean Elders, and founded the Sargasso Sea Alliance and Second Century Stewardship for America’s national parks. He has supported numerous organizations in science, conservation, and media, and produces documentary films and public presentations to advance advocacy initiatives. Shaw’s honors include induction into the Teddy Roosevelt Society and the UNH Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame, as well as honorary degrees from Colby College, Bates College, the University of New England, Maine College of Art, and the University of Southern Maine. He resides in Maine.

Augmenting Talent from Within: AI, Data Literacy, and Intrapreneurial Innovation
2025-10-15 13:00 - 13:45 | Virtual Event
AI’s greatest potential isn’t in replacing people: it’s in amplifying human capability. This session looks at concrete ways organizations are using AI and data to improve decision-making, build skills across teams, and create new opportunities for innovation.
Tom Davenport, a leading authority on how AI changes human work, will set the stage with insights from his research.
Dan Koloski will share examples of how managers translate AI and data literacy into real workplace practices.
Chris Torina will outline how structured intrapreneurship programs turn employee ideas into business results.
Featuring Berkeley Almand-Hunter, Technical Director of Partner Products at The Roux Institute and co-developer of the Analytical LEAP framework.

What You’ll Learn

How AI extends, rather than replaces, what people can do and what that means for leadership mindsets (Davenport)
How middle managers are turning AI and data literacy into day-to-day advances (Koloski)
How intrapreneurship programs channel employee initiatives into measurable impact (Torina)

Questions We’ll Explore

How is AI changing the way leaders think about human capability and decision-making?
What role do middle managers play in turning AI and data literacy into everyday results?
How can organizations structure intrapreneurship so employee ideas become measurable business outcomes?
What connections tie these approaches together, and what questions matter most to your organization right now?

This event delivers both high-level perspective and practical cases, giving you clear examples of how organizations are approaching AI and data today.

Science for Understanding and Adapting Marine Fisheries to Climate Change Impacts
2025-10-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
Join us as Dr. Kathy Mills of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute unveils a decade of groundbreaking research on how fish species in the Gulf of Maine are adapting to climate change—and what it means for the future of fisheries and coastal communities.
No registration required!

Human-Centered AI Webinar: Turning Complexity Into Better Products
2025-10-21 13:00 - 13:45 | Virtual Event
AI products succeed or fail at the human layer. Adoption of AI products is affected by their usability and practical utility, as well as their ability to help users understand when the AI can be trusted.
In this webinar, Dr. Mahsan Nourani and Dr. Melanie Tory, leading researchers in human-centered AI, will share how teams can integrate user-centered research into product development to de-risk development and create AI systems that are trusted, adopted, and drive real business value.
They’ll cover:

Best practices to de-risk product design and development with user research
How to appropriately calibrate your customers’ trust in the AI systems you’re developing
Concrete success stories of integrating human centricity into the AI product lifecycle

Product leaders will walk away with actionable strategies to reduce risk, accelerate responsible adoption, and unlock opportunities for differentiation through thoughtful design of AI experiences.
Join us!

On-the-Spot Interview
2025-10-21 16:00 - 18:00 | The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, 100 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101
The Roux Institute is pleased to offer on-the-spot admissions opportunity for Information Systems and Information Systems Bridge graduate programs. This is your chance to expedite your application and admissions process for in-demand master’s and certificate programs in Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies.
See you soon.

Venture Forward Yarmouth: Showcase
2025-10-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
The Yarmouth Venture Forward Program, developed by Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, is a cohort-based initiative designed to support local entrepreneurs, business leaders, and small business owners. The program equips participants with the tools to scale their ventures, explore new markets, and build long-term sustainability through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and access to emerging technologies.
Beyond business growth, Venture Forward creates a collaborative network where participants connect with peers, learn from industry experts, and strengthen their role in Yarmouth’s economic future. The program culminates in this Showcase, where entrepreneurs present their ventures and share the progress they’ve made, celebrating innovation and community impact.

Open Door with Heather Paquette, CEO of Good Shepherd Food Bank
2025-10-23 08:00 - 09:00 | The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, 100 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101
Heather Paquette, CEO of Good Shepherd Food Bank will sit down with Maine Trust for Local News managing director, Stefanie Manning for a conversation at the Roux Institute at Northeastern University on Wednesday, October 23, 2025 at 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., coffee and light breakfast will be available.

2025 Blue Economy Investment Summit
2025-10-24 10:00 - 18:30 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
Presented by Gulf of Maine Research Institute and Northeastern University’s Roux Institute
The Blue Economy Investment Summit will convene investors, innovators, and policymakers to explore the evolving landscape of ocean and marine technology. This one-day event will examine the intersection of climate tech and the blue economy, highlighting investment opportunities and emerging solutions to pressing ocean challenges. Sessions will feature founders, funders, and stakeholders who are advancing sustainable innovation across Northern New England and beyond. Attendees will gain insights into market trends while connecting with leaders shaping the future of the blue economy.
The 2025 Blue Economy Investment Summit is hosted in partnership with the ClimateTech Incubator at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute and guided by a steering committee of leaders from Blue Venture Forum, Maine Venture Fund, Maine Technology Institute, CEI, and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences

Maine Visionary Leaders
2025-10-28 16:30 - 18:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
The NACD New England Chapter, The Roux Institute at Northeastern University and the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce are pleased to present a special Visionaries event celebrating the far-reaching vision of Maine and New England business leaders.
The event will bring together CEOs from a diverse set of Maine businesses together with key leaders from State Government to discuss how businesses in the region are navigating the new world of uncertainty. From changing patterns of trade and tariffs to AI and emerging technologies.
For boards and their directors, building an agile and resilient environment has never been as important as it is today. Decisions made today will have widespread impacts. Some decisions lead to consequences that cannot be predicted or clearly defined. What framework for decision-making have leading boards adopted in the current environment? What are the current issues at the top of boards’ agendas? What do boards need to understand? How can they stay current and where should they focus?

Foundations for the Digital Commons: Aligning Technology, Law, and Innovation for the Common Good
2025-10-30 08:30 - 2025-10-31 15:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
Presented by RadicalxChange, Bernstein Shur, and Northeastern University’s Roux Institute
This two-day event unites leaders, builders, lawyers, and technologists to advance the future of tech, policy and digital infrastructure to benefit the common good. Together, we’ll tackle emerging challenges and bold opportunities in collective data governance, digital deliberation, democratic innovation, and the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, antitrust, and intellectual property.
Hosted by the Roux Institute in partnership with RadicalxChange, and Bernstein Shur, the event will feature:

Fast-paced lightning talks, breakout sessions, and collaborative deliberations
Workshops to align on legal frameworks and policy solutions
A civic tech hackathon focused on digital deliberation tools and interoperability
Curated networking mixers and engaging programming—all set in beautiful Portland, Maine

Featured Workshops:

Information Innovations; Public <> Legislators
Citizens’ Assemblies 101: Designing Democratic Infrastructure for the AI Age
Digital Deliberation at Scale: Demonstrations
Data Intermediaries for the Public Good: Protecting Privacy, Empowering Publishers
Cooperatives in the Data Economy: Decentralizing Data, Democratizing Value
Accelerating Digital Civic Infrastructure in US

Speakers include:

Jeb Bell, Project Liberty Institute
Liz Barry, Metagov
Beth Noveck, The Burnes Center for Social Change
Elicia Wilson, Gitlab Foundation
Nathan Sanders, Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society
Jake Hirsch-Allen, The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University
Stuart Lynn, CrownShy
Lacey Strahm, OpenMined
Courtney Radsch, Open Markets Institute
Jerren Chang, Partners in Democracy
Matt Prewitt, RadicalxChange
Dave Lesher, CalMatters
Beth Goldberg, Google Jigsaw
Christine Kim, Mozilla Foundation
Axel Dauchez, MAKE.org

Agenda
Thursday, October 30 – Framing & Foundations
8:30–9:00am | Check-in & Coffee
9:00–9:15am | Welcome from Roux Institute, Bernstein Shur, & RadicalxChange
9:15-10:15am | Information Innovations: Public <> Legislators
For democracy to thrive, citizens must know what government is doing — and government must know what citizens want. CalMatters shines light on legislative actions for the public, while Crown Shy channels public consensus back to policymakers. Grounded in expertise from congressional tech modernization efforts, this panel explores how completing both sides of the circuit builds trust and accountability.
Panelists: Stuart Lynn (Crownshy); Dave Lesher (CalMatters) ; Lorelei Kelly (Public Good Group)
Intro/Moderator: Matt Victor (Bernstein Shur)
10:15- 10:20am | Break
10:20-11:20am | Citizens’ Assemblies 101: Designing Democratic Infrastructure for the AI Age
As emerging technologies reshape the economy and society, the question of “who decides” becomes more urgent. Citizens’ assemblies offer a proven model for engaging everyday people in complex public decisions, from climate policy to AI governance. Learn how and why citizens’ assemblies work, and to collaboratively explore how one might be used to address workforce development in the digital age.
Panelists: Zabrae Valentine (Public Good Group); Jennifer Chace (USM); Elicia Wilson (Gitlab Foundation);
Intro/Moderator: Jake Hirsch-Allen (the Dais);
11:20 – 11:30am | Break
11:30am- 12:30pm | Scaling Deliberation to Millions; Demo & Discussion
Digital tools are reshaping how citizens deliberate and how policymakers listen. Google Jigsaw brings insights from its work on online discourse and safeguarding democratic debate, while MAKE.org shares its experience engaging millions of Europeans in structured, large-scale participation. This panel explores what it takes to scale deliberation responsibly, and how different contexts are turning digital debate into actionable guidance for governments.
Presenters: Axel Dauchez (MAKE); Beth Goldberg (Jigsaw)
Intro/Moderator: Liz Barry (Metagov)
12:30 – 1:15pm | Lunch
1:15- 2:10pm | Data Intermediaries for the Public Good: Protecting Privacy, Empowering Publishers
AI has upended the relationship between publishers and platforms, raising questions of control, attribution, and fair compensation. This panel will explore how trusted data intermediaries—supported by privacy-enhancing technologies—can give publishers tools to manage their content, safeguard privacy, and negotiate collectively with AI developers. By shifting from extractive to collaborative models, TDIs offer a path toward a more sustainable and equitable digital information economy.
Panelists: Courtney Radsch (Open Markets Institute), Lacey Strahm (OpenMined); Matt Prewitt (RadicalxChange)
Moderator: Nathan Sanders (Berkman Klein)
2:10- 2:20pm | Break
2:20- 3:20pm | Cooperatives in the Data Economy: Decentralizing Data, Democratizing Value
As data becomes one of the world’s most valuable resources, cooperatives offer a promising model for shared ownership and governance. Their decentralized, community-based structure makes them uniquely suited to steward data responsibly and to ensure that digital identity, personal information, and AI-era value creation benefit the many, not the few. Join us to explore the legal, technical, and organizational innovations that position cooperatives as essential infrastructure for the digital age.
Panelists: Jeb Bell (Project Liberty); Elettra Bietti (Northeastern Law); Christine Kim (Mozilla Foundation)
Moderator: Theo Skeadas (All Tech is Human)
3:20- 3:30pm | Break
3:30-4:00pm | Keynote: Accelerating Digital Civic Infrastructure in US
Beth Noveck (The Burnes Center for Social Change, Northeastern University)
4:00- 5:00pm | Break & Walk
5:00-7:00pm | Evening Reception (Hosted at The Center for Law + Innovation at Maine Law)

Friday, October 31 – Innovation Sprint
How might we design digital tools, platforms, or governance models that responsibly leverage Maine’s data and resources—including housing, workforce development, and energy infrastructure — into a shared public commons, while keeping in mind issues of digital equity and privacy, so that Maine not only addresses its local challenges but also becomes a model for scalable, equitable solutions that other states and countries can adopt?
8:30-9:00am | Breakfast & Networking
9:00-10:30am | Inspiration & Problem Framing
10:30 – 10:45am | Team Formation & Planning
10:45 – 11:45am | Research & Discovery Sprint
11:45 – 12:15pm | Working Lunch
12:15-1:15pm | Pitches & Group Feedback
1:15- 1:30pm | Closing Circle

Travel & Accommodations
Hotels
We’ve secured discounted rates at the following hotels within walking distance to the venue:

AC Hotel Portland Downtown/Waterfront
Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Waterfront

Flying into Portland

The nearest airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM), located just 15 minutes from downtown.
From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or use Uber/Lyft to get to the Roux Institute.

Flying into Boston

Concord Coach Lines offers direct bus service from Logan Airport to downtown Portland.
Buses run multiple times daily, with pickup right at each terminal.
The trip takes about 2 hours and drops you off at Thompson’s Point in Portland.
From there, it’s a 10–15 minute ride to the Roux Institute by taxi, Uber/Lyft, or local bus.

Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive (approx. 2 hours north via I‑95).
If you’re flying into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), you have a few easy options to get to Portland:
Tip: Book Concord Coach in advance at concordcoachlines.com for best availability.

Escape Room: Career Edition
2025-10-30 11:00 - 15:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
You’ve just applied for your dream job—and made it to the final round. But there’s a twist…
Before making their final decision, the employer wants to see how you perform under pressure, as a team. Do you have the soft skills today’s workplaces demand? Your mission: Tackle a series of career-themed challenges that mirror real-world situations—from job interviews to workplace problem-solving. You’ll need to collaborate, think critically, adapt quickly, and prioritize as a team. Can your group escape unemployment and land the offer before time runs out?
Event Details:
Students will work in teams of 3-4 to complete a series of career-related tasks and puzzles in under 60 minutes. Sign up with your friends as a team or individually to be matched with a team.
We’ll hold two competition sessions with three teams competing during each session:
Morning Session – 11:00am to 12:30pm
Afternoon Session – 1:30pm to 3:00pm
*****
Team Registration: Complete the team registration form to sign up as a team. Individual participants should use the individual registration form.
Limited Space: Only 6 teams total can participate (3 teams per session), so space is limited.
Session Selection: When registering, teams must indicate their availability for the morning session (11:00am-12:30pm), afternoon session (1:30pm-3:00pm), or both. Teams that select both sessions will be assigned to either morning or afternoon based on availability. Selecting both sessions may increase your chances of being accepted, as we need to distribute teams evenly across both time slots.
Attendance Requirement: All team members must be present for the entire 90-minute session. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
Deadline: The last day to sign up is October 23rd, space is limited so apply soon!

Smart Manufacturing in Maine: Pathways to Progress
2025-11-05 13:00 - 13:45 | Virtual Event
Do you work in the manufacturing industry in Maine? Are you excited about the potential for building a more efficient, data-driven operation, but overwhelmed on where to focus your efforts?
Smart manufacturing — the use of advanced technology to increase the efficiency of manufacturing processes — presents an exciting opportunity, but manufacturers in Maine are facing skills shortages, implementation hurdles, and resource constraints.
Join us for a practical 30-minute session (+15 minutes Q&A) designed specifically for Maine manufacturers of all sizes. Learn how local companies are beginning to leverage smart manufacturing concepts—from data-driven decision-making to automation—and what the first steps look like. Hosted by the Roux Institute in partnership with the U Maine Advanced Manufacturing Center, the session will also introduce the Smart Manufacturing Roadmap Program, a facilitated process geared towards helping manufacturers solve business challenges and confidently choose the solutions that make sense for their priorities to drive ROI.

Code and Cure: Innovators Shaping Tomorrow’s Healthcare
2025-11-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
Calling all women and men! Join New England HIMSS for an inspiring evening as we spotlight women leaders who are redefining the future of healthcare through technology, research, and innovation.
Panel Highlights:

Executive Vision: Our moderator, a seasoned CIO, brings the strategic lens—connecting leadership, research, startups, and implementation to frame the discussion around where healthcare is heading.
Evidence in Action: Hear how population health research and data-driven insights are fueling innovation and transforming how care is delivered.
Startup Success: Get an inside look at how healthcare entrepreneurs are tackling today’s toughest challenges with bold new solutions.
Frontline Perspective: Learn what it takes to implement IT in real-world provider settings, ensuring clinical systems work seamlessly for both patients and caregivers.

This dynamic panel will offer a 360° view of how innovation moves from concept to care, guided by women at the forefront of health IT. Stick around afterward to connect with peers over cocktails and conversation during our networking hour.
Don’t miss this chance to engage with innovators shaping tomorrow’s healthcare.

New England HIMSS believes it is important to give back to our community. Please consider donating to Safe Passage.
Safe Passage helpline advocates can provide support, resources, and assistance with safety planning for survivors of domestic violence.
Safe Passage provides emergency shelter in a confidential location, for the safety of our guests. Community services include counseling, advocacy, peer support, and legal services, offered at our office in Northampton and in locations throughout Hampshire County.
Safe Passage serves survivors of all genders. Our services are free, accessible to people with disabilities, and confidential. Services are available in English, Spanish, and other languages.

5th Annual Northern New England MedTech Conference
2025-11-12 - 2025-11-14 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
Presented by MedTech Collaborative and Northeastern University’s Roux Institute
The Northern New England MedTech Conference is the region’s premier gathering for medical technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. This three-day event will showcase the latest advancements in health tech, biotech, and medical devices. Attendees will engage in panels, breakout sessions, and networking designed to accelerate collaboration and growth in the MedTech sector. With a mix of startups, investors, and healthcare organizations, the conference is a catalyst for innovation and impact in the region.

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course
2025-11-15 09:00 - 2025-11-16 16:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
WFA is a two-day course and focuses on the basic skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies. It will run from approximately 9:00am – 4:00pm on BOTH Saturday and Sunday, November 15th and 16th. Registration is required. Ability to attend both Saturday and Sunday is required. The course is a mix of classroom instruction and skills training. We use scenarios (where you may be a pretend patient!), demonstrations, and hands-on exercises to emphasize the material. WFA is the perfect course for someone interested in what it takes to provide patient care in an outdoor environment, when resources are limited, and help may be far away. WFA is great for the outdoor enthusiast, trip leader, or for anyone interested in learning more about patient care! Upon course completion you’ll receive a SOLO Wilderness First Aid certification which is good for two years.

On-the-Spot Interview
2025-11-18 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-10 16:00 - 18:00 | The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, 100 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101
The Roux Institute is pleased to offer on-the-spot admissions opportunity for the Analytics and Project Management graduate programs. This is your chance to expedite your application and admissions process for in-demand master’s and certificate programs in Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies.
See you soon.

STAND UP: Sprint Till Done!
2025-11-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
Ever wondered what project management looks like —but fun? Join the Northeastern University Project Management Organization (NUPM) for a fast-paced, team-based challenge inspired by Agile project management.

Intrapreneurship for Nonprofits: Avangrid Foundation
2025-12-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
The Intrapreneurship for Nonprofits program, developed by Northeastern University’s Roux Institute with support from the Avangrid Foundation, helps Maine nonprofits apply entrepreneurial thinking to strengthen their missions and expand their impact. The five-month program equips leaders with tools to develop new revenue streams, refine business models, explore pricing and marketing strategies, and build a strong online presence – all culminating in a showcase on December 11, where participants will present their progress and future plans.
Nonprofit leaders are paired with mentors and Northeastern student co-ops specializing in business analysis, marketing, and design, ensuring hands-on guidance throughout the program. By fostering “intrapreneurship” — the practice of innovating from within an organization — the program empowers nonprofits to test bold ideas, create sustainable models, and scale their impact.
This year’s cohort includes: Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland Museum of Art, Camp Sunshine, Marine Mammals of Maine, Maine Discovery Museum, Mayo Street Arts, Ketcha Outdoors, ArtVan, Diverse BookFinder, and Maine Inside Out.

Municipal Innovation Day
2026-02-05 09:00 - 16:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
Municipal Innovation Day, hosted by the Roux Institute at Northeastern University, in collaboration with regional Councils of Governments, including AVCOG, GPCOG, and MCOG is a dynamic, day-long gathering designed to inspire municipal leaders across Maine, surface shared challenges, explore emerging technologies and their governance implications, and support the development of practical, regionally aligned solutions.
This energizing experience combines insightful panels, lightening talks, an innovation sprint, and networking, giving municipal teams the space and support they need to think creatively, explore proven approaches, and build stronger regional connections that unlock collective impact.
Event Schedule:
9:00 – 9:30 AM: Coffee, Light Bites, & Networking
9:30 – 10:00 AM: Welcome & The State of Municipal Innovation in Maine
Keynote Speaker: Samantha Horn, Director of the Maine Office of Community Affairs
10:00 – 11:00 AM: Kickoff Panel: Bold Ideas from Municipal Leaders
11:00 – 11:15 AM: Coffee Break
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM: Innovation Lightning Talks: What Works in Small Municipalities
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch & Networking
1:00 – 2:00 PM Regional Solutions Panel
2:00 – 4:00 PM: IdeaJAM – The Roux Institute’s signature ideation event, designed to help stakeholders validate problems, shape early-stage concepts, and gain real-time insights from peers and the broader entrepreneurial community. This facilitated, high-energy session invites teams to choose one of three pressing challenges and collaboratively explore and develop potential solutions.

Municipal Innovation Day is part of the Breakthrough Maine Event Series, presented by Northeastern University’s Roux Institute and Maine Technology Institute. The series brings together students, partners, innovators, entrepreneurs, faculty and researchers, and community leaders to showcase Maine’s innovation ecosystem and foster collaboration across the region.

Grad School Discovery Day
2026-02-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
Join faculty, students, enrollment counselors, and financial advisors for a full day of events. Our graduate programs are building a talent pipeline and driving innovation at the intersection of tech, data and the advanced life sciences, and we want you to be part of it.
Enjoy a full day to explore how the Roux Institute can help you reach your goals.
Who should attend:

Curious learners
Future applicants
Current applicants

What to Expect:

Expert faculty-led workshops
Lunch in the Collaboration Cafe overlooking Casco Bay
Grad Mixer reception to connect with current Roux students, founders and faculty

Showing Up as Yourself: A Real Talk on Leadership and Belonging
2026-02-11 17:00 - 19:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States

Maine Businesses: Dirigo and Workforce Funds for Your Employee Training
2026-02-24 15:00 - 15:30 | Virtual Event
Maine employers are navigating rapid change, including AI adoption, automation, new regulations, and ongoing workforce shortages, while also trying to make smart investments in their people. Fortunately, Maine offers programs designed to help offset the cost of training.
In this webinar, leaders from Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Maine Workforce Development Compact will walk through how Maine employers can access and apply these programs to support workforce upskilling.
The session will cover:

The Dirigo Business Incentives Program, a sector specific State of Maine tax credit
The Maine Workforce Development Compact, a training incentive program offered through the Maine Community College System
Where they differ & how they can be combined
What timelines and expectations employers should plan for
How training providers, like the Roux Institute, can support businesses in designing eligible, high-impact programs.

Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of what is available now, what to plan for later in 2026, and how to prepare their organization to take advantage of these incentives and training.

About the Dirigo Business Incentives Program
The Dirigo Business Incentives Program is a sector specific State of Maine tax credit that helps eligible businesses offset the cost of future employee training and capital investment. Companies in qualifying industries can receive a $2,000 tax credit per trained employee for a qualified employee training program, including education or training provided by accredited Maine universities and colleges and training approved for funding by the Maine Workforce Development Compact as well as up to a 10% tax credit on a significant capital investment. The program is designed to encourage workforce upskilling and capital investment while reducing the financial burden on businesses.
The State launched a Dirigo value estimator tool that allows businesses to quickly calculate the potential tax credit available based on their planned training and capital investments.
About the Maine Workforce Development Compact
The Maine Workforce Development Compact is a training incentive program offered through the Maine Community College System that provides up to $1,200 per employee in matching grant funds for approved workforce training. MWDC supports a wide range of internal and third-party training programs and, when approved, can also count toward eligibility for Dirigo Business Incentives, allowing businesses to stack benefits.

About the Roux Institute’s Training Programs
The Roux Institute at Northeastern University designs and delivers workforce training programs that align with Maine’s funding requirements. As an accredited Maine university, Roux programs qualify under the Dirigo Business Incentives Program and may also be approved through the Maine Workforce Development Compact.
Our Custom Learning offerings include structured, cohort-based programs in:

AI adoption and applied automation
Digital transformation and data strategy
Operational efficiency and process improvement
Leadership and workforce productivity

Programs are designed to meet required training hour thresholds and documentation standards, helping employers ensure eligibility while building durable skills within their teams.
Roux works directly with employers to:

Scope eligible training programs
Align curriculum with workforce funding criteria
Structure timelines around certification requirements
Deliver measurable, high-impact learning experiences

Presenters:
Dan Koloski
Professor of the Practice & Head of Learning Programs
Northeastern University
Dan Koloski is the head of learning programs and professor of the practice in the College of Professional Studies (CPS) at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute. At the Roux Institute, Koloski carries administrative responsibility for all learning programs across degree and non-degree contexts. Professor Koloski’s own teaching is in analytics and software development and the application of both to business, and in addition to his work within various Northeastern degree programs, he works with the Roux partnerships team to develop and teach custom non-degree courses to partner employees. Beyond his CPS teaching, Koloski serves as an adjunct faculty member with the College of Engineering’s Multidisciplinary Graduate Engineering (MGEN) unit and is also a faculty affiliate of Northeastern’s Center for Technology Management and Digital Leadership.
Charlie Collins
Deputy Executive for Workforce Training
Maine Community College System
Charlie Collins is currently Deputy Executive for Workforce Training at Maine Community College System. Previously, he was Interim Associate Dean of Academics and Director of Workforce Development at Southern Maine Community College for three years. Collins works to connect stakeholders and industry partners that results in collaborative solutions. He as interest and experience in aligning higher education credentials to workforce development, professional education, and adult learning.
Shae McGehee
Economic Development Incentives Manager
Maine Department of Economic and Community Development

What Matters to Maine? A Conversation with Mill Town Author Kerri Arsenault
2026-02-25 17:00 - 18:30 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
Join us for an engaging conversation with Northeastern University’s Roux Institute and members of the community as we explore the stories, themes, and questions that shape Maine’s rural communities.

Roux Career Fair & Industry Expo
2026-02-26 14:30 - 17:30 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
Note: Link to register is ONLY for employers!
Presented by Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, Hannaford, Unum, Bangor Savings Bank, and SubCom
The future of talent is here! Connect with Roux graduate students, soon-to-be graduates, and alumni specializing in computer science, data science, analytics, project management, and life sciences. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with top-tier talent prepared to make a difference for your organization.

Climate Salon: Accelerating ClimateTech Innovation
2026-03-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, 100 Fore Street, Portland, 04101, United States
Building climate & energy ventures, whether software or hardware solutions, is a group sport. Startup teams need an ecosystem of supporters around them — and customers who are ready to help them grow. During this Climate Salon, join us to discuss what it takes to scale across:

Blue economy
Built environment
Energy & electrification
Food & ag
Software & AI

Table Leads include: Mike Jackson (Managing Director of Earthshot Ventures), Will Hewes (Water Sustainability Lead at Amazon), Amy Piscopo (Data Scientist at WattTime/Climate TRACE), and other experts driving climate solutions in our region and beyond.

This event is hosted by:
The ClimateTech Incubator, based at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute campus in Portland, Maine, is a hub for climatetech startups. In addition to desk and prototyping space, members have access to Northeastern’s global network of mentors, researchers, and students, as well as the Roux Institute’s curated network of entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate partners. Members also benefit from a robust program of guest speakers, networking events, access to professional services, and more.
Climate Salon is a 501c3 nonprofit organization focused on bringing stakeholders together to solve climate challenges. Through educational events, its network of support organizations, and charitable giving, Climate Salon accelerates community action to bring ideas to life.

Featuring:
Cleantech Open is the world’s largest cleantech startup accelerator, empowering entrepreneurs to tackle today’s most pressing environmental and energy challenges. Through our annual accelerator Cleantech Open connects startups with the expertise, resources, and visibility needed to scale and succeed. For over twenty years, Cleantech Open Northeast has accelerated over 670 startups and looks ahead to supporting our 2026 cohort as we build solutions with lasting impact.

Apply to Cleantech Open 2026 by April 6: http://cleantechopen.org/
