R.I. Life Science agency awards nearly $100K in grants for research, education

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

The $98,780 in grant funding announced on Thursday marks the first time the quasi-public agency has dipped into its $45 million in state funding to support partnering companies and organizations. The 15-member volunteer board, headed by a paid president, was created under the state’s fiscal 2024 budget to put Rhode Island on the map for life science investment and innovation, similar to models created in Cambridge, and Worcester, Massachusetts.

“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,” Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement. “These grants will strengthen important local partnerships and help us spark innovation as we grow this sector in our state.” 

The board of directors began meeting in January, and by February, had set up a $250,000 grant fund, offering up to $10,000 for projects and programs that further its mission. Grants announced Tuesday represent a 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 Rhode Island’s life sciences sector,” Patrice Milos, the hub’s interim president, said in a statement. “These first-round grants reflect our dedication to advancing education and research, supporting early-stage innovation and partnering with the community.” 

Recipients and funding amounts awarded include: 

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

More information about the grant program, including eligibility and how to apply, is available online.