The Maine Technology Institute said it awarded about $1.5 million to 28 state-based companies working to develop technology-based products and services in aquaculture, marine technology, forestry, agriculture and precision manufacturing.

The MTI funding is to be matched by more than $2.5 million from the recipients. 

In total, MTI said it awarded $56,851 in TechStart grants, $170,227 in seed grants, $1.2 million in development loans and $29,999 in business accelerator grants.

Among Mid-coast winners, TechStart Grants were awarded to:

— RAS Corporation for its proposal to culture fish in a recirculating aquaculture system on a waterfront site in Maine, with five possible sites under consideration. Prior to going full-scale, a proposed 12-month pilot plant will take advantage of the Center for Cooperative Aquaculture (CCAR)  

business incubation facilities in Franklin. Award: $249,491. Match: $312,003

— Eldertide LLC in Dresden for branding and marketing strategies for elderberries. Award: $5,000. Match: $5,240.

— Full Circle America L3C in Damariscotta to conduct market research on five specific market opportunities for its Video Monitoring and Coordinated Care Platform. Award: $5,000 Match: $8,100

— Peregrine Turbine Technologies LLC in Wiscasset for its Improved Efficiency Gas Turbine Powerplant that can be operated on a variety of fuels including diesel fuel, natural gas, propane, syngas and others. Award: $5,000. Match: $13,000.