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
Program Lead, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Vanessa Alvarez
Program Lead, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Success Stories
Read featured stories from our innovators and see how URI research is making an impact in the real world.
News
URI and Clemson Startup FastFlowLM Joins AMD to Advance AI Inference
FastFlowLM, has recently joined California-based semiconductor company AMD. FastFlowLM is a technology company delivering software designed to handle…
News
URI Joins $15 Million NSF Seafood Engine Initiative
The University of Rhode Island is part of the newly announced NSF Seafood Engine in New England, which…
News
URI ocean technology spinout Juice Robotics secures investment from Rogue Island Ventures and licenses four URI technologies
KINGSTON, R.I. – July 1, 2026 – URI Innovations today announced that Juice Robotics, a University of Rhode…
Events
Join us for workshops, networking events, and innovation showcases throughout the year.
Event
BlueTide 2026
BlueTIDE is an annual, high-impact technology demonstration event hosted by Polaris Tech Bridge (formerly 401 Tech Bridge) in…
Event
Open Coffee: RIHub
Join us the last Wednesday of every month for Open Coffee—a casual, welcoming space where entrepreneurs, innovators, and creatives…
Event
BlueTide 2026
BlueTIDE is an annual, high-impact technology demonstration event hosted by Polaris Tech Bridge (formerly 401 Tech Bridge) in…
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.