Maine startups launched in 2020 include Hüga Heat, a Southport-based maker of battery-powered heated seat cushions founded by Jocelyn Olsen and Colin Greig. Their goal was to support local restaurants serving meals outside while providing a source of warmth to their customers.
Today, even though dining out is optional rather than a requirement, many Maine restaurants, breweries and coffee shops continue to use the cushions, she noted.
“The majority of our sales are now to folks who want to sit outside without freezing their buns off — sports parents on bleachers, hunters and fishermen, hikers and campers,” she said. “That has inspired us to design new products we'll be launching this spring, including a more portable version and a plug-in bench for the more permanent banquette seating found in hospitality outdoor spaces today.”