Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation
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PCD Office: AD-105 Suite
Phone: 207-859-1167
Email: [email protected]
Where Maine's Next Entrepreneurs Start
HAIBI exists because entrepreneurship isn’t just a career path — it’s a way of thinking. We develop that thinking in students before they graduate, connect them to the Maine ecosystem while they’re here, and support founders and innovators at every stage of the journey.
The result is a pipeline that runs from high school to campus to the broader Maine entrepreneurship community — and a network of programs, partners, and people committed to building something worth building in Maine.
The Pipeline
Get Involved
In the Community
HAIBI is active in Maine’s entrepreneurship ecosystem — supporting high school programs, serving as judges and mentors in regional competitions, and building relationships with the organizations developing the next generation of Maine founders.
On Campus — Thomas Innovation Challenge
The Thomas Innovation Challenge is Thomas College’s signature student pitch competition. Open to all undergraduates regardless of major, TIC takes students from idea to pitch over the course of a semester — developing customer discovery, market thinking, and the confidence to stand in front of a room and make a case for something they’ve built.
Into the Ecosystem — Dirigo Labs
Thomas students and alumni connect to Dirigo Labs, one of Maine’s leading entrepreneurship accelerators, where early-stage founders develop their ventures alongside mentors, investors, and a statewide network of entrepreneurs.
Competing for What’s Next — GreenLight Maine
GreenLight Maine is Maine’s premier entrepreneurship competition. HAIBI supports Thomas students and community entrepreneurs in preparing for and competing in GreenLight Maine — one of the most visible stages in the state for ventures ready to grow.
Talent and Opportunity — Colby DavisAI Summer Bridges Program
Selected Thomas students participate in the Colby DavisAI Summer Bridges Program, a competitive placement connecting emerging talent to AI-forward organizations and opportunities. HAIBI identifies and prepares students for this program as part of its commitment to placing Thomas students at the leading edge of what’s next.
Students
Get involved in TIC, connect to Dirigo Labs, and apply for the Colby DavisAI Summer Bridges Program.
Entrepreneurs and Founders
Connect with HAIBI for resources, mentorship, and ecosystem access.
Partners and Collaborators
Let’s talk about what we’re building together.
Who Leads the Work
Nate Pelsma
Nate has spent two decades at the intersection of leadership, organizational development, and entrepreneurship — as an executive, operator, educator, and practitioner. He leads HAIBI and Corporate Campus at Thomas College, teaches entrepreneurship and business at the undergraduate and MBA level, and is active across the Maine entrepreneurship ecosystem through Dirigo Labs, GreenLight Maine, and regional competitions and programming.