The Rhode Island Life Science Hub has awarded nearly $100,000 in grants to a dozen nonprofits, educational institutions and research groups that are helping to grow the state’s emerging life sciences industry.

The $98,780 grant funding announced Thursday marks the first time the quasi-public agency has tapped into its $45 million in state funding to support partner companies and organizations. The 15-member volunteer board, led by a paid president, was established under the state Budget for the 2024 financial year The goal is to put Rhode Island on the map for life sciences investment and innovation, similar to models in Cambridge and Worcester, Massachusetts.

“Rhode Island is making important investments that support our strategy to become a hub for good-paying jobs and robust economic development in the life sciences industry,” Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement. “These grants will strengthen important local partnerships and help us spur innovation as we grow this sector in our state.”

The Board of Directors began in January with the meeting, and in February it had established a $250,000 grant fund that provides up to $10,000 for projects and programs that further its mission. The grants announced Tuesday represent the first round of funding, with more than $151,000 still available and applications being accepted on a rolling basis.

“The Rhode Island Life Science Hub is committed to investing in the growth of the life sciences sector in Rhode Island,” said Patrice Milos, interim president of the hub, in a statement. “These first-round grants reflect our commitment to advance education and research, support early-stage innovation, and collaborate with the community.”

The recipients and the grant amounts awarded include:

• 10,000 to Brown University for its technology transfer office, Brown Technology Innovationsto host an innovation showcase during Rhode Island Startup Week
• $10,000 for new equipment for students in Juanita Sanchez Institute of Life Sciences within the Providence Public School District
• 10,000 dollars for the New England Medical Innovation Center and Clinical Research Center at Lifespan to expand clinical trials
• 10,000 dollars for the Research Office at Rhode Island Hospital for a workshop on the role of machine learning and artificial intelligence in vaccine and drug safety
• 10,000 dollars for the University of Rhode Island School of Pharmacy for cancer immunotherapy research
• 10,000 dollars for the Department of Chemistry, University of Rhode Island for a new research program for new cancer treatments
• $9,970 to The Center for Spine and Tumor Chordoma Research by Brown University to develop a gel drug to manage post-operative planning for a rare type of spinal cancer known as chordoma
• $7,500 for a summer learning program for middle and high school students through Global Science & Envirotech Inc.
• $7,500 to Rhode Island Hospital Neuropsychology Program to further develop a digital tool for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease
• $5,000 to Latino and Sano! to expand the reach and education in the field of mental health
• 5,000 dollars for the New England Medical Innovation Center for a pitch event in the fourth quarter for startups in the medical technology and health technology sector
• $3,809.87 to the trading group RI Bio to support participation in an annual advocacy event where industry experts come to Washington DC to speak with lawmakers

For more information about the scholarship program, including eligibility and application procedures, is available online.