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PROVIDENCE, RI - The Rhode Island Life Science Hub (Hub) has announced its first round of small grants to advance the state’s life sciences sector. The $98,780 in funding will support a range of projects, including hands-on learning experiences for students, advancing research collaborations with local institutions, sponsoring life science and venture capital investor events and bolstering federal advocacy efforts.
“Rhode Island is making key investments that will guide our strategy to become a hub for good-paying jobs and steady economic development in the life science industry,” said Governor Dan McKee. “These grants will strengthen important local partnerships and help us spark innovation as we grow this sector in our state.”
“I am very pleased to see the Rhode Island Life Science Hub ramping up its efforts, creating opportunities for students, and expanding the life science community in our state,” said Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi, who sponsored legislation to create a life science hub in Rhode Island. The legislation was incorporated into the FY 2024 state budget. “Rhode Island’s life science industry has endless potential, and these grants will kick-start growth and momentum.”
President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio said, “The life science industry has incredible potential, and it is essential we continue to build on the progress we’ve made together in fostering its growth here in Rhode Island. Congratulations to this first round of grant recipients, and thank you to Neil Steinberg and the Life Science Hub for your outstanding work to support and cultivate this transformative field here in our state.”
“The Rhode Island Life Science Hub is committed to investing in the growth of Rhode Island’s life sciences sector,” said Patrice Milos, interim president of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub. “These first-round grants reflect our dedication to advancing education and research, supporting early-stage innovation and partnering with the community.”
Established by the Hub board earlier this year, the Small Grant Fund provides grants of up to $10,000 to educational and academic organizations, non-profits and trade associations. The funding is designed to support existing stakeholders and activities, while fueling new projects that grow Rhode Island’s life sciences community.
Recipients of the first round of funding include:
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Juanita Sanchez Life Sciences Institute, Providence Public School District will receive $10,000 to enhance their life science program for students through investments in new equipment. The funding will help expand programs available to students, including professional skill development.
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Latino y Sano! will receive $5,000 to expand its network of subject matter experts in mental health, increase volunteer participation, develop educational materials, collect community data and support local events for the community.
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Global Science & Envirotech, Inc. will receive $7,500 to support the Summer Learning Initiative ‘Explorer Center Camp’ for youth in grades 6-12, focusing on biochemical investigations into climate change. The program uses STEAM to explore water's significance, plant life's sustainability and interactions within the biosphere.
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RI BIO, Inc. will receive $3,809.87 to support the organization’s participation at the annual BIO Fly-In, where key industry stakeholders meet with Rhode Island’s congressional delegation to discuss expanding the life sciences in the state.
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The Office of Research at Rhode Island Hospital (Lifespan) will receive $10,000 to support the AI/HI and Immunoinformatic Workshop in Providence. The event will bring together academic leaders, local biotech and global experts to foster collaboration and promote Rhode Island as a prime location for innovation and growth in the biotech sector.
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The College of Pharmacy at the University of Rhode Island will receive $10,000 to advance innovative cancer immunotherapy research. The research addresses a critical global health challenge and strengthens the state’s research capabilities while fostering collaboration within the scientific community.
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The Center for Spine Tumor and Chordoma Research at Brown/Lifespan will receive $9,970 to support the development of an innovative gel medicine that manages post-surgical pain associated with Chordoma, a rare, highly morbid cancer along the spinal axis, thus minimizing reliance on opioids.
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New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC) & the Clinical Research Center at Lifespan will receive $10,000 to streamline and expand the capabilities of Lifespan’s Clinical Research Center (CRC). The funding will enhance the efficiency and capacity of clinical validations, trials and studies, addressing the high demand in New England and positioning Rhode Island as a hub for clinical research.
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New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC) will receive $5,000 to host a Q4 2024 Pitch Event, showcasing numerous startups specializing in the medical device and health technology sectors. The event will foster connections between industry professionals, investors, academia and entrepreneurs, highlighting the state as a center of excellence in health technology and life sciences.
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The Department of Chemistry at the University of Rhode Island will receive $10,000 to support a new research program to develop novel therapeutic agents for treating cancers. This initiative will integrate cutting-edge chemistry, chemical biology and life sciences, while providing resources and opportunities for training the next generation of scientists in Rhode Island’s biomedical sector.
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The Neuropsychology Program at Rhode Island Hospital (Lifespan) will receive $7,500 to develop further and validate a digital health tool, the Rhode Island Preclinical Alzheimer’s Composite, for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
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Brown Technology Innovations will receive $10,000 to host their second annual Innovation@Brown Showcase during Rhode Island Startup Week. The event celebrates local innovation in and around Brown University featuring panel discussions and a showcase of over 20 Brown and Hospital affiliated ventures.
“We are proud to support these exceptional grantees and empower the leaders and innovators who are making a real impact in our community,” Milos continued. “We look forward to seeing how they drive the future of the life sciences industry in our state.”
A total of $151,220 remains in the Rhode Island Life Science Hub’s Small Grant Fund. The Hub will continue to accept applications for the Small Grant Fund on a rolling basis, and award grants, subject to the availability of funds when applications are completed, viewed, and approved by the interim president and treasurer. Grant guidelines and application information can be found at https://tinyurl.com/RILSHSmallGrants.
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About the Rhode Island Life Science Hub: The Hub positions the state to deliver on a bold vision of transforming Rhode Island into a globally recognized life science innovation hub by coalescing existing stakeholders, activities, and investments, while building new capabilities. Through an initial three-year, $45 million investment, the Hub will serve as the central and coordinating organization facilitating the development of medical advances and scientific breakthroughs by supporting companies who specialize in life sciences.
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