About URI Innovations
We bridge the gap between groundbreaking university research and real-world impact. Through technology transfer, startup support, and strategic partnerships, we help URI’s ideas move from the lab to the marketplace — where they can benefit society, drive economic growth, and create lasting change. Whether you’re an inventor, entrepreneur, or industry partner, you can engage with URI Innovations at any stage of the innovation process.
Our Mission
To accelerate the translation of University of Rhode Island research into innovations that:
Benefit communities and the environment
Drive economic development and job creation
Build sustainable ventures through technology transfer and entrepreneurship
Cultivate an inclusive, collaborative innovation ecosystem
Who we are
Innovation Excellence
We champion breakthrough research and transformative technologies that address today’s most pressing challenges.
Collaborative Impact
We connect university research with industry, investors, and partners to maximize societal and economic benefit.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
We foster entrepreneurship and support the creation of new companies and ventures that deliver real-world solutions.
Leadership Team
Christian Cowan
Executive Director
Pete Rumsey
Associate VP Economic Development, Innovation & Entrepreneurship- URI & Operations Director - URI Innovations
Christine Smith
Director of Special Projects
Gina Lopardo
Program Administrator,
RISE-UP
Allison Markova
Director for Technology Transfer & Innovation Partnerships
Joe Loberti
Consultant, RISE-UP
Vanessa Alvarez
Consultant, RISE-UP
Success Stories
Read featured stories from our innovators and see how URI research is making an impact in the real world.
News
URI Innovators Pitch Startup Ideas at Spring Ideation Studio Showcase
Seventeen URI students, faculty, and alumni pitched startup concepts focused on real-world impact during URI Innovations’ Spring 2026…
News
URI Research Foundation Launches URI Innovations as New Public-Facing Hub for Research Translation and Partnerships
URI Innovations positions the University of Rhode Island to expand industry collaboration and accelerate the path from discovery…
News
NSF I-Corps Information Session & URI Innovations Office Hours — April 9th
Join URI Innovations for an NSF I-Corps information session with Project Director Sarah Biester, followed by open office…
Events
Join us for workshops, networking events, and innovation showcases throughout the year.
Event
URI Innovations Office Hours
Curious about innovation, entrepreneurship, or translating your research into real-world impact? Join us for URI Innovations Office Hours.…
Event
I-Corps Info Session (Virtual)
From Lab to Impact – join us for an info session on the New England Region Spark Program,…
Event
MIT Initiative for Manufacturing
Are you working on research that could redefine the future of manufacturing? The MIT Initiative for New Manufacturing…
Partner with us
Whether you’re a researcher with a breakthrough discovery or an industry partner seeking innovation, we’re here to help you make an impact.
URI Innovations is the innovation and commercialization arm of the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation (URIRF). URIRF provides the organizational and fiduciary structure through which URI Innovations advances technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and strategic partnerships in support of the University of Rhode Island’s research mission.
Stay Connected
Get the latest updates on URI innovations, startup success stories, and upcoming events.