The Roux Institute Story
Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a global research university that centers education and research on understanding and solving the world’s most intractable problems. Through a learning model focusing on experiential learning and educational and research programs designed to drive real-world impact, Northeastern erases the boundaries that separate higher education from the rest of the world.
When Northeastern partnered with David and Barbara Roux and the Harold Alfond Foundation in 2020 to create the Roux Institute, the partners sought to bring this unique learning model to Maine in order to make the state a leader in AI, data science, biotechnology, and other high-tech fields. Backed by the weight of Northeastern University’s vast network of experts and resources from across the globe, the Roux Institute is turning Portland, Maine into the next major innovation hub, one specifically focused on bolstering Maine’s economy and helping propel Maine’s legacy industries into the 21st century.
“Our mission is to train a next generation of talent with the skills necessary to participate fully in the innovation economy, and to attract dynamic companies who will come [to Maine], who will grow here, and who will start here, because of the rare talent that we’re creating right here locally.”
David Roux
Northeastern University’s the Roux Institute is leading exciting, important impact in the state of Maine and beyond, engaging with over hundreds of students and diverse partners, and thousands of Mainers who have been directly impacted by the initiatives deployed by the efforts of the institute. Through its Alfond Scholars Initiative, the institute has awarded more than $27 million in need-based scholarships, brought new tech talent to 75 Maine employers through Northeastern’s renowned co-op program, and has funded groundbreaking research that is making Maine a leader in AI and life sciences innovation.
Although the Roux Institute breaks its core offerings into four unique focus areas, the powerful work and outcomes achieved here do not happen within a silo. Each of these offerings – learning, entrepreneurship, partnerships, and research – is deeply integrated within the others, creating a thriving ecosystem in which every classroom, partner, entrepreneur, and researcher can tap into the vast knowledge, talent, and resources of Roux Institute and the greater Northeastern University system.
“The Roux Institute team asks what our communities, businesses, and employers need. And then by listening, working, and learning together in partnership, the team produces. For the Harold Alfond Foundation, the Northeastern model and the work of the Roux Institute today has all of the promising elements so needed by Maine and our nation.”
Greg Powell
Chairman of the Harold Alfond Foundation
We’re investing in you—and in Maine.
With $100M in scholarships from the Harold Alfond Foundation®, the Roux Institute is proud to offer the Alfond Scholars Initiative. We’re providing recent college graduates, bachelor’s degree and PhD holders, Northeastern undergraduates, and employer partners with essential capabilities in data and computer science, the life sciences, and artificial intelligence. Our programs support learners in gaining skills through real-world assignments with Maine employers. The result is a powerful talent and innovation network.
Discover what’s possible with:
- Generous scholarships for graduate certificate and master’s degree seekers
- Personalized career counseling
- Experience through virtual projects and paid co-ops
- Offerings focused on advanced technology for high-demand career pathways
- Funds for employer partners to hire student co-ops
- Support for postdoctoral positions in critical fields like AI and machine learning