Governor Janet Mills, in collaboration with the Maine Technology Institute, has unveiled the Maine Clean Energy Innovation Challenge program that will provide $500,000 in funding to at least two clean energy startup companies. Potential qualifying technologies include energy generation, energy efficiency, clean transportation, energy storage, and energy management data or software.

The program represents the state’s latest effort to achieve its climate goals and boost the clean energy economy. The Maine Technology Institute, which will administer the program, will publish the formal request for proposals and application materials soon.