Shari Baxter ’07G

Jason Bolton ’06

Shari Baxter, a graduate student, Jason Bolton and three other undergraduates won first place in the national Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Student Association’s 2006 Product Development Competition for their product, YoBon Blueberry Bites. This product has spun-off into a small start-up company called Yo Bon, LLC.

“Most schools that win national IFT competitions don’t pursue commercialization,” says Shari. “It was the University of Maine Foundation’s interest and support that led us to believe we could take our product to the next level.”

“The Foundation supported us from the start,” says Jason. “It provided assistance with travel funds, encouraged support from other donors, and initiated collaboration with alumni and the Executive Director for Research and Economic Development at the University of Maine, who encouraged us to apply for a Maine Technology Institute (MTI) grant.”

As a result, the team of students won three grants: two from MTI, and one from the Libra Futures Fund, which awards grants to young entrepreneurs. The product holds great promise as a possible signature food for the University of Maine.