Northeastern University's Roux Institute and Maine Technology Institute launch Breakthrough Maine events to accelerate Maine's future

Northeastern University’s Roux Institute and Maine Technology Institute present Breakthrough Maine, a signature event series that brings together students, partners, innovators, entrepreneurs, faculty and researchers, and community leaders to showcase Maine’s innovation ecosystem and foster collaboration across the region.

With nine events slated and more to come, Maine will get a major innovation boost, kicking off on Friday, October 10 will bring the Magnetize Maine: Future Workforce Summit, an event presented by PROPEL in collaboration with Bangor Savings Bank, Maine Development Foundation, and Northeastern University’s Roux Institute. On Tuesday, October 14, author, business, and social entrepreneur David E. Shaw will be in conversation with Anna Ford, Founder and CEO of Bookclubs.com.

On Friday, October 24, leading investors, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem builders will gather for the 2025 Blue Economy Investment Summit, presented by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the Roux Institute. October’s events will conclude with Foundations for the Digital Commons: Aligning Technology, Law, and Innovation for the Common Good, an event presented by RadicalxChange, Bernstein Shur, Core Strategy Consultancy, and the Roux Institute that will convene leaders, builders, lawyers, and technologists to advance he future of tech, policy, and digital infrastructure to benefit the common good.

“We’re thrilled to team up with MTI and launch Breakthrough Maine right here in Portland — a powerful series that underscores our role as a critical regional convener for innovation and collaboration,” said Chris Mallett, the Roux Institute’s chief administrative officer. “Each event is designed to spark bold ideas, accelerate partnerships, and showcase the extraordinary talent and opportunities that make Maine’s ecosystem so unique.”

Explore the full calendar of events below and stay tuned for new additions:

Friday, October 10: Magnetize Maine: Future Workforce Summit
Presented by PROPEL in collaboration with the Maine Development Foundation, Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Roux Institute

Tuesday, October 14: Wave Making: An Evening of Impact with Author David E. Shaw
Presented by the Roux Institute

Friday, October 24: 2025 Blue Economy Investment Summit
Presented by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the Roux Institute

Thursday, October 30 – Friday, October 31: Foundations for the Digital Commons: Aligning Technology, Law, and Innovation for the Common Good
Presented by RadicalxChange, Bernstein Shur, and the Roux Institute

Wednesday, November 12 – Friday, November 14: 5th Annual Northern New England MedTech Conference
Presented by MedTech Collaborative and the Roux Institute

Thursday, February 26: Roux Career & Co-op Expo
Presented by the Roux Institute

Thursday, March 12: Catalyzing Maine’s Future – Women Who Empower
Presented by the Roux Institute

Thursday, April 16: Pipeline Power: Roux Student Achievement Showcase
Presented by the Roux Institute

Monday, May 18 – Thursday, May 21: Startup Maine Week
In partnership with Startup Maine and Live + Work in Maine

This year’s series builds on the momentum of last year’s programming, which brought more than 6,000 attendees to the Roux Institute’s Fore Street campus, featured hundreds of speakers and panelists, and delivered standout moments including Women Who Empower, AI in Action, and the Founder Residency Showcase that kicked off Startup Maine Week, alongside dozens of other gatherings that connected entrepreneurs, community leaders, industry partners, and students from across Maine and beyond.

Learn more about Breakthrough Maine events – we can’t wait to welcome you to campus!