GEM: Green Engineering & Materials
Integrating Research, Education, and Industry to Drive the Future of Sustainable Manufacturing
At the intersection of computing and engineering, academia and industry, and research and commercialization, GEM stands as a one-of-a-kind facility and educational model, positioning the University of Maine as a global leader in immersive, sustainable, and advanced manufacturing. In alignment with UMaine’s mission, GEM drives innovation by bringing together the groundbreaking research of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center with the College of Engineering and Computing in a state-of-the-art facility, dedicated to cultivating a workforce equipped with expertise in sustainability, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Opening 2026
BREAKING GROUND: GEM Research Factory of the Future
October 2024 | Construction begins for the first-of-its kind, cutting-edge sustainable manufacturing research facility at UMaine
Interdisciplinary Approach:
GEM is a unique facility at the intersection of computing, engineering, academia, industry, research, and commercialization, positioning the University of Maine as a leader in sustainable and advanced manufacturing.
Integration of UMaine Entities:
GEM brings together the research from the Advanced Structures and Composites Center and the College of Engineering and Computing in a state-of-the-art facility.
Focus on Sustainability and Advanced Manufacturing:
GEM focuses on bio-based materials and sustainability, leveraging Maine’s strengths to drive investment. It serves as a test bed for entrepreneurs and companies adopting advanced manufacturing and sustainable technologies.
Accessible Learning for All:
GEM advances manufacturing research and trains the workforce to transition new technologies to industry. K-12 to doctoral students engage with the innovative FoF through interactive, connected learning spaces.
Hands-on Learning Model:
GEM enables students to progress from interactive classrooms with UMaine System access, to immersive learning in the mini-GEM, to large manufacturing bays for research on designing and manufacturing homes, boats, and more.
Future-Focused Solutions:
GEM leverages cutting-edge technologies to solve current problems and address future societal challenges with sustainable solutions.
Innovative Technologies:
GEM features fully digitized, adaptive laboratories that incorporate AI, augmented reality, advanced manufacturing methods, optical analytics, and digital twins.
