Programs & Initiatives
URI Innovations leads, supports, and connects programs at URI and across the region that help move research and ideas toward real-world impact.
Core URI Innovations Programs
These signature programs drive research translation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization across the URI community.
Patents2Products (P2P)
Fellowship turning URI research into market-ready ventures.
Supported by RISE-UP
Innovation Faculty Fellows
Helping faculty integrate entrepreneurship into teaching and research.
Supported by RISE-UP
Pathways to Innovation & Entrepreneurship for Defense (PIE-D)
Course connecting students with real-world dual-use challenges.
Supported by RISE-UP
Ideation Studio
Semester-based incubator for developing ideas into ventures.
Supported by RISE-UP
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenges
Annual competitions aligned with the URI Honors Colloquium.
Supported by RISE-UP
Tech Transfer Fellows
Graduate fellows advancing URI’s intellectual-property pipeline.
Supported by RISE-UP
Supported by RISE-UP: Regional Innovation by Scaling Entrepreneurship via University Partnerships
These programs are currently supported through RISE-UP - a tri-state initiative led by the University of Rhode Island (via URI Innovations), the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the University of Hawai‘i, funded by the U.S. Office of Naval Research. RISE-UP strengthens local innovation ecosystems across Alaska, Hawai‘i, and Rhode Island by advancing applied research, entrepreneurial training, and commercialization in marine, energy, and defense-related technologies.
Learn more about RISE-UPRegional Innovation Partners
Our innovation ecosystem extends beyond the University of Rhode Island. We collaborate with regional and national partners who provide complementary programs and resources for entrepreneurs, faculty, students, and innovators. Together, we’re building pathways that help ideas grow into fundable startups, scalable ventures, and impactful technologies.
RIHub
Preparing researchers for technology commercialization.
Rhode Island Life Science Hub
Preparing researchers for technology commercialization.
Grow Blue
Preparing researchers for technology commercialization.
NSF I-Corps (New England Region)
Preparing researchers for technology commercialization.
Innovation Spaces and Campuses
Ocean Technology Center (OTC)
Ocean-tech incubator at URI’s Bay Campus
RI AgTech Park
Advancing agricultural innovation and food systems.
RI Aquaculture Innovation Center
Fostering aquaculture technologies and entrepreneurship.
Polaris Tech Bridge & MEP
Innovation and manufacturing collaboration hubs.
RIHub
Preparing researchers for technology commercialization.
Tech Showcase & Startup Pitch Opportunities
URI Innovations hosts an annual Tech Showcase each September during Rhode Island Startup Week, featuring emerging technologies, faculty innovators, and early-stage startups from across the University of Rhode Island.
The Showcase brings together founders, researchers, investors, industry partners, and public-sector organizations to support commercialization and real-world impact.
Startups affiliated with URI—including companies based on URI intellectual property or founded by URI faculty, researchers, students, or alumni—are eligible to apply. Expressions of interest are accepted year-round, with a priority deadline of May 14, 2026 for the September 2026 Showcase.
Ways to Participate
Pitch or Present
Apply to be considered for a pitch slot or a demo table.
Attend
Explore emerging technologies, meet founders, and connect with URI’s research community.
Sponsor
Support the Showcase and gain visibility across the regional innovation ecosystem.
Exhibit
Share your organization’s resources, programs, or partnership opportunities.
Scout
Identify technologies, talent, and startups aligned with your needs.
Sign up for updates
For questions, sponsorship opportunities, or other ways to participate, please contact: Vanessa Alvarez valvarez@urirf.org
Polaris MEP and 401 Tech Bridge
Polaris MEP and 401 Tech Bridge work closely with URI Innovations to align research, innovation, and industry engagement in support of Rhode Island’s advanced-manufacturing, defense, marine, and technology sectors.
Polaris MEP
An affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), Polaris MEP supports manufacturers in improving productivity, innovation, and workforce capabilities through training, technical assistance, and growth programs. The team provides customized solutions to help Rhode Island’s manufacturing businesses generate results and thrive.
Polaris Tech Bridge
Through regional and national partnerships with industry, academia, and government agencies, 401 Tech Bridge enables innovators to develop and advance dual-use and blue economy technologies by offering collaboration spaces, access to equipment, resources, and experimentation scenarios. Additionally, tech scouting and prize challenges are offered to further enhance and expedite commercialization.
