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With outdoor recreation gaining popularity nationwide, students at the ��ݮ��Ƶ are stepping up to meet the demand for innovative gear that stands out among the most popular brands. 

Through a course in outdoor entrepreneurship, offered through ��ݮ��Ƶ’s new College of Business, a group of students spent the Fall 2024 semester designing solutions for challenges faced by outdoor enthusiasts. Their projects, which ranged from collapsible camping gear to reimagined tools for snow sports and fishing, culminated in a pitch event on Dec. 3 before a panel of industry experts.

Maine’s outdoor recreation economy plays a significant role in the state’s identity and economic health.

According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Maine’s outdoor economy grew 9% from 2022 to 2023 and generates $3.4 billion in added value for the state, or 3.7% of the state’s economy. That makes Maine one of the top 10 states where outdoor recreation is a factor in overall gross domestic product.

Analysis shows activities like camping, fishing, and snow sports are fueling a wave of innovation, and ��ݮ��Ƶ’s course prepares students to contribute directly to these expanding fields. 

Since 2022, the state has seen a 16.8% growth in the manufacture of outdoor recreation gear. Snow-based activities saw a 13% increase, compounded by a 44% rise in snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Fishing, a favorite Maine pastime, grew in popularity by 45%.

The course, taught by Aimee Vlachos, Ed.D., in ��ݮ��Ƶ’s P.D. Merrill Makerspace, mirrors the University’s broader commitment to preparing students for professional success while still in school. 

Students gained skills in market research, prototype development, and business strategy. Along the way, they showcased their progress at the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit in November, where they networked with industry leaders.

“Outdoor entrepreneurship is one of my favorite classes to teach,” said Vlachos, an assistant teaching professor in the College of Business at ��ݮ��Ƶ. “An innovative, hands-on class that encourages developing a product idea and prototype empowers students to transform creativity into tangible solutions, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application that extend beyond the classroom."

The products designed by this year’s students reflect the diversity of outdoor activities that are gaining traction. The first team to take the stage developed Coastal Treads, a snowshoe crafted from recycled wood and rope from lobster traps. The project aimed to reduce waste from discarded traps and provide a sustainable alternative to materials like PVC and other synthetic materials.