Grantx and the State of Maine are deepening a high-impact collaboration rooted in shared goals: economic development, innovation, and equitable access to funding. As part of this effort, Grantx is offering free access to its AI-powered grant discovery platform for startups affiliated with the Maine Technology Institute (MTI), and Maine Venture Fund.  These initiatives aim to reduce funding friction for Maine’s startups and researchers – especially critical in a state where 99.2% of all businesses are small businesses, employing over 57% of the workforce.1

Beyond broad access, Grantx is actively forging institutional partnerships within Maine's innovation ecosystem. The University of Southern Maine (USM) and the Roux Institute are among the first collaborators using the platform to pursue funding, and more importantly, to help shape its future development.

A Commitment Rooted in Maine

Grantx's deep connection to Maine extends beyond business strategy. Founder Jacob Schoenberg, a proud Maine native and University of Southern Maine alumnus, maintains a steadfast commitment to supporting his home state. This dedication is reflected in the company's decision to base its headquarters in Portland, Maine.

Affirming this regional focus, Grantx has joined MTI as a portfolio company, participating in its PRIME program which supports early-stage innovation across the state.2 This backing helps accelerate growth for ventures aligned with Maine’s long-term economic priorities. Through initiatives like hiring interns from Maine institutions and maintaining a physical presence in the state, the company is helping define what a mission-aligned tech company can look like in Maine’s blossoming startup ecosystem.

Collaborative Design and Statewide Impact

At USM, Grantx is piloting a design partnership model. Students and faculty are leveraging the platform to identify real funding opportunities, providing structured feedback that directly informs product iterations. The aspiration is to expand this valuable relationship across the entire University of Maine system, which encompasses seven campuses statewide.

Furthermore, the partnership with the Roux Institute focuses on recruiting local talent, collaborating on program development, and ensuring free platform access for startups within its network. These partnerships are vital for bolstering Maine’s innovation landscape—particularly in a state where R&D spending was just 1.1% of GDP in 2021, well below the 3.3% national average and 5.4% in New England.

A Model for Purpose-Driven Growth

Collectively, these efforts represent more than just platform expansion; they signify a long-term investment in Maine’s startup infrastructure. By deeply integrating with local institutions, providing tangible value to under-resourced innovators, and co-developing tools directly with users, Grantx isn't just operating in Maine—it's actively shaping the future of its innovation economy. As Grantx expands nationally, it's setting a precedent for how startups can meaningfully contribute to the communities they originate from, building partnerships rooted in shared purpose, not just proximity.

Footnotes

1. U.S. Small Business Administration. 2020 Small Business Economic Profile – Maine.

2. Maine Technology Institute. PRIME Fund Overview.

3. Maine Development Foundation. 2024 Measures of Growth Report.