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
2026 URI Tech Showcase Moves Discovery Closer to Real-World Impact
Ten research-driven technologies and ventures took the stage at URI’s second annual Tech Showcase, where established startups returned…
News
A Summer of Ideas Come Together at RISE-UP Pitch Night
SmartBandage, Sandwich Party Sunday, and NanoGlyph earned top awards as the Summer 2026 Ideation Studio cohort presented ventures…
News
URI Spinout Trace Sensing Technologies Raises More Than $2 Million to Advance Breath-Based Diagnostics
Trace Sensing Technologies, a URI spinout built around licensed University intellectual property, has closed a Series Seed funding…
Events
Join us for workshops, networking events, and innovation showcases throughout the year.
Event
SAIR Physical AI Summit 2026
The Physical AI Summit at Brown University is SAIR’s first East Coast summit. Co-hosted by the Brown Data…
Event
Application Deadline – Equalize Startups 2027
Equalize Startups is accepting applications for its 2027 cohorts through November 13, 2026. Equalize is a free, six-month…
Event
BioHack – Nucleate Rhode Island (Day 1)
Join Nucleate Rhode Island for our inaugural BioHack event. This is event is sponsored by CIC and RILSH,…
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.