The Rhode Island Life Science Hub has announced its first round of small grants totaling $98,780 to support projects designed to build a stronger foundation for the life sciences industry in the state.
“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,” said Governor Dan McKee. “These grants will strengthen important local partnerships and help us spur innovation as we grow this sector in our state.”
“I am thrilled to see the Rhode Island Life Science Hub step up its efforts, create opportunities for students and expand the life science community in our state,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, who introduced legislation to create a life science hub in Rhode Island. The bill was included in the state budget for fiscal year 2024. “Rhode Island’s life science industry has endless potential and these grants will spur growth and momentum.”
Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio said, “The life sciences industry has incredible potential and it is important that we continue to build on the progress we have made together in fostering its growth here in Rhode Island. Congratulations to the recipients of this first round of grants and thank you to Neil Steinberg and the Life Science Hub for their outstanding work in supporting and advancing this transformative field here in our state.”
“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 Rhode Island Life Science Hub. “These first-round grants reflect our commitment to advance education and research, support early-stage innovation, and collaborate with the community.”
Established earlier this year by the Hub’s board of directors, the Small Grant Fund awards grants of up to $10,000 to educational and academic organizations, nonprofits and industry associations. Funds are designed to support existing stakeholders and activities while spurring new projects that will grow Rhode Island’s life sciences community.
Recipients of the first round of funding include:
– Juanita Sanchez Life Sciences Institute, Providence Public School District ($10,000)
– Latino and healthy! ($5,000)
– Global Science & Envirotech, Inc. ($7,500)
– RI BIO, Inc. ($3,809.87)
– Rhode Island Hospital Research Office (Lifetime) ($10,000)
– The College of Pharmacy at the University of Rhode Island ($10,000)
– The Center for Spinal Tumor and Chordoma Research at Brown/Lifespan ($9,970)
– New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC) and the Clinical Research Center at Lifespan ($10,000)
– New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC) ($5,000)
– The University of Rhode Island Department of Chemistry ($10,000)
– The Neuropsychology Program at Rhode Island Hospital (Lifespan) ($7,500)
– Brown Technology Innovations ($10,000)
“We are proud to support these exceptional fellows and empower the leaders and innovators who are making a real difference in our community,” Milos continued. “We look forward to seeing them advance the future of the life sciences industry in our state.”
A total of $151,220 remains in the Rhode Island Life Science Hub Small Grant Fund. The Hub will continue to accept Small Grant Fund applications and award grants on a rolling basis, subject to the availability of funds, when applications are complete, reviewed, and approved by the Interim President and Treasurer. Grant guidelines and application information can be found at https://tinyurl.com/RILSHSmallGrants.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist in reporting on this article.
