Another successful session of the URI Innovations RISE-UP Ideation Studio has officially come to a close, wrapping up an intensive and inspiring Summer 2026 program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs transform bold ideas into viable ventures.
The RISE-UP Ideation Studio, a startup pre-accelerator program, condensed what is traditionally an 11-week experience into just two fast-paced weeks. Despite the accelerated timeline, participants tackled the same rigorous curriculum while building meaningful connections, refining innovative concepts, and immersing themselves in the entrepreneurial mindset.
Throughout the program, the cohort explored the critical foundations of launching and sustaining a startup. Participants engaged in workshops and hands-on activities focused on customer discovery, business modeling, value proposition development, and venture sustainability. The energy throughout the program was unmistakable as teams collaborated, solved problems creatively, and challenged themselves to think bigger.
A highlight of the session was the lineup of accomplished guest speakers who shared their expertise and real-world insights with the cohort. Speakers included Matt Lukens, Kendra Forsythe, Tom Sperry, Jason Noel, Phil Magnusewski, Ted Howell, and Allison Markova. Together, they introduced participants to a range of timely and impactful topics, including marketing in a digital-first world, the growing influence of artificial intelligence on entrepreneurship, patents and intellectual property strategy, revenue generation, venture sustainability, and rapid value proposition development.
While the formal summer session has concluded, the work for participants is far from over. Over the remainder of the summer, teams will continue conducting customer discovery interviews, refining their business concepts, and strengthening their pitches. They will also continue working closely with mentors and Ideation Studio instructors Annette Tonti, Vanessa Alvarez, and Joe Loberti, whose guidance and support have been instrumental throughout the program.
The culmination of the cohort’s hard work will take place on September 16 at 6 p.m. during Pitch Night in Chafee Hall Room 277 on the URI campus. Teams will present their ventures before judges and compete for three implementation grants designed to help advance their products and ideas to the next stage of development.
As another successful cohort concludes, excitement is already building for future sessions. Ideation Studio will return in Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, continuing its mission of empowering innovators and entrepreneurs across the URI and Rhode Island communities.
Students, faculty, staff, and community members with an entrepreneurial idea—or simply a passion for innovation—are encouraged to apply and become part of the next generation of startup leaders.
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