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
It’s a Wrap! RISE-UP Ideation Studio Summer 2026
The Summer 2026 session of the URI Innovations RISE-UP Ideation Studio concluded with another successful cohort of aspiring…
News
Save the Date for the 2nd Annual URI Tech Showcase – September 22, 2026
Save the date for the 2nd Annual URI Tech Showcase on September 22, 2026. Join researchers, innovators, industry…
News
Join URI Innovations for Open Office Hours This Summer
The URI Innovations team will be available on both URI Main Campus and the URI Bay Campus to…
Events
Join us for workshops, networking events, and innovation showcases throughout the year.
Event
Blue Tech Talks
Dive into the future of ocean innovation with Blue Tech Talks, a dynamic summer lunch & learn series…
Event
I-Corps Info Session (Virtual)
From Lab to Impact – join us for an info session on the New England Region I-Corps Spark…
Event
Open Coffee: RIHub
Join us the last Wednesday of every month for Open Coffee—a casual, welcoming space where entrepreneurs, innovators, and creatives…
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.