BAXTER CENTER FOR INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
The Center for Innovation and Technology (CIT) is a bold vision for Baxter Academy's future - a transformational expansion designed to create a place where students don't just learn about innovation, they lead it.
The CIT will unite engineering, marine science, artificial intelligence, fabrication, data science, entrepreneurship, and applied research in one collaborative environment where students can:
Design, build, test, and refine real-world solutions
Work alongside educators, researchers, and industry professionals
Develop future-ready skills, including technical proficiency, collaboration, project management, communication, and entrepreneurial thinking
Explore interdisciplinary learning that is workforce-connected, research-driven, and community-centered
More than an expansion, the CIT will become a regional hub for innovation, educator training, industry partnerships, student exhibitions, and community events, strengthening Maine's workforce while empowering the next generation of innovators.
Existing space = gray. New space = white.
CONCEPTUAL LAYOUT
The conceptual layout showcases a connected learning environment where students can explore, design, build, test, and share real-world solutions alongside educators, industry partners, and the broader community.
Planned Spaces
Marine Research Lab
Fabrication & Applied Design Studio
Emerging Technologies Lab
Real World Commons
Baxter Coffee House & Community Productions
Together, these flexible, purpose-built spaces will empower students to transform curiosity into innovation while developing the skills and experiences to shape Maine's future.
*Conceptual use only.
MARINE RESEARCH LAB
Solutions for Our Environment. Our Fisheries. Our Future.
The Maine Research Lab will connect students with hands-on research that addresses Maine's most pressing environmental and marine science challenges while preparing them for careers in the state's growing blue economy.
Focus Areas
Fisheries infrastructure and resilience
Aquaculture innovation
Water quality and environmental monitoring
Marine technology development
Coastal ecosystem and climate research
Building on Baxter Academy's leadership in PFAS research, aquaculture, and environmental science, the lab will empower students to develop real-world solutions with lasting impact for Maine's communities and coastal ecosystems.
*Conceptual use only.
MAKERSPACE
Design. Build. Test. Improve.
The Fabrication & Applied Design Studio will give students the tools and experience to turn ideas into working solutions through hands-on engineering, prototyping, and real-world product development.
Focus Areas
Robotics, drones, and electronics
Product design and prototyping
CAD, digital modeling & 3D printing
Composite materials and advanced manufacturing
Assistive technology development
Preparing students for careers in engineering, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, marine fabrication, skilled trades, and other high-demand technical fields, the studio will foster the creativity, problem-solving, and innovation that drive tomorrow's workforce.
*Conceptual use only.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES LAB
Exploring the Technologies Shaping Tomorrow.
The Emerging Technologies Lab will equip students with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world through responsible and hands-on learning in award-winning cyber securty programming, artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, and digital media.
Focus Areas
Cyber Security & AI
Human-centered design
Research & Development
Game Theory
Skilled Trades & Technology
Baxter is preparing students for careers in software development, engineering, biotechnology, environmental science, advanced manufacturing, and research, the lab will empower the next generation of innovators to solve complex problems with creativity and technology.
*Conceptual use only.
REAL WORLD COMMONS
Where Ideas Become Community.
The Real World Commons will be a flexible space where students, educators, and industry partners come together to collaborate, learn, and share ideas.
Focus Areas
Flex Friday Presentations & Student workshops
Destination for area students to learn about Gulf of Maine and Fabrication spaces
Visiting industry experts
Collaborative project space
Reading and reflection
A place where innovation, curiosity, and community come together.
*Conceptual use only.
BAXTER COFFEE HOUSE & COMMUNITY PRODUCTIONS
A Place to Gather, Create, and Connect.
The Baxter Coffee House & Community Productions space will serve as the heart of the Center for Innovation and Technology, bringing students, families, educators, and community partners together.
Focus Areas
Cafeteria and shared eating space
Student-run coffee house
Community events and performances
Meetings and collaboration
Student showcases
A welcoming space that celebrates creativity, connection, and community.
The Center for Innovation & Technology is an investment in the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders. Through a comprehensive fundraising campaign, we are working to turn this vision into reality and create a lasting resource for students, educators, industry, and our community. We invite you to join us in building a future where curiosity leads to discovery, ideas become solutions, and innovation begins here.