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Dear colleagues, partners and friends,
December has been a pivotal month in the Rhode Island Life Science Hub's very busy first year, marked by a series of significant announcements that underscore the momentum building in our efforts to establish Rhode Island as a leading hub for life sciences innovation.
The Board is proud to announce the selection of Dr. Mark A. Turco as the Life Science Hub’s first President and CEO. With over 25 years of experience in medical technology, clinical medicine and academic research, Dr. Turco brings the leadership necessary to guide our strategic initiatives. We are eager for Dr. Turco to join our team and begin leading us into this new phase of growth.
We announced a milestone agreement to establish Ocean State Labs, the state's first incubator dedicated to life sciences, in Providence. Currently, there is no incubator space for early-stage biotech and medical startups in the state. The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for innovation, fostering collaboration between academia, industry and the public sector to accelerate the development of cutting-edge healthcare solutions.
Additionally, in partnership with Rhode Island Commerce, we have been working with Organogenesis Holdings Inc., a leader in regenerative medicine, to expand their manufacturing operations in Smithfield. With an investment from the Life Science Hub through a business attraction grant, alongside other state incentives, this expansion will not only create jobs but also enhance Rhode Island’s position as a destination for advanced medical product manufacturing.
These milestones represent the collective efforts of our private, public and academic partners, and they underscore our commitment to fostering innovation, creating jobs and building the necessary infrastructure to support Rhode Island’s life sciences ecosystem. We are thrilled to be part of this transformation and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you for your continued support.
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Neil Steinberg
Chairman of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub
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Rhode Island Life Science Hub Selects First President & CEO | |
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With experience in leadership positions across the biomedical and life science sectors, including clinical medicine, academic research and early-stage startups, Dr. Mark A. Turco (pictured right) will guide Rhode Island's efforts to position the state as a leader in the life sciences industry.
“This is such an exciting opportunity, as Rhode Island is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in life sciences,” said Dr. Turco. “The combination of our academic institutions and health care systems, as well as state government’s commitment to fostering a more diverse medical and scientific ecosystem bring together the ingredients for success.”
As the Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Pennsylvania, he established the Center for Penn-Health Tech, a partnership between the engineering school and the School of Medicine to develop medical technologies. He has guided research teams and innovators through the process of company creation and complex regulatory approvals to launch new medical technologies in the marketplace. Most recently, he led two cardiovascular start-up companies, which were ultimately acquired by larger public medical device companies.
As President and CEO, Dr. Turco will spearhead key initiatives to build a thriving life sciences ecosystem in Rhode Island, including the development of critical infrastructure, such as the Rhode Island's first life sciences incubator, set to open in 2025. His leadership will also focus on creating jobs and advancing healthcare solutions both locally and nationally.
Dr. Turco's engagement is subject to the advice and consent of the R.I. State Senate, which is anticipated by the end of January.
🔗R.I. Life Science Hub appoints first CEO to lead the agency tasked with catapulting scientific innovation in the state
🔗Former leader at UPenn named CEO of RI Life Science Hub
🔗Turco selected as R.I. Life Science Hub's first CEO
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"Ocean State Labs" Unveiled | |
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State leaders and industry experts joined the Life Science Hub to announce a transformative agreement with Ancora L&G to establish Ocean State Labs, a state-of-the-art biotech and medical incubator in Providence’s 195 Innovation District. Designed to support early-stage life science companies, the nearly 30,000-square-foot facility will become a cornerstone of the state's growing life sciences ecosystem.
Located on the fourth floor of 150 Richmond Street, the incubator will feature cutting-edge lab and co-working spaces equipped to serve up to 30 startups. This initiative is bolstered by a $10 million investment from the Life Science Hub, with additional funding from the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission and a $13 million contribution from Brown University over 10 years to support the incubator.
The facility’s unique proximity to the State Health Laboratories, academic institutions such as Brown University's Danoff Life Science Laboratories and medical organizations like the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and its new RNA Center, will foster collaboration and accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world applications.
“This incubator will provide critical infrastructure to bring bold ideas to life, attract new companies to Rhode Island and drive economic growth,” said Neil Steinberg, Chair of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub Board of Directors. "Ocean State Labs is a pivotal moment for Rhode Island and the Life Science Hub and it is just the beginning."
Construction is underway and the incubator is on track to open in late 2025.
🔗'The time is now': First state biotech incubator gets a location. What to know.
🔗 Ocean State Labs to drive innovation, continued economic success for R.I.
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Upper Left: Marc Crisafulli, Chair of the 195 District Commission; Jay Brinson, Vice President of Development, Ancora L&G; Neil Steinberg, Chair of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub Board of Directors; R.I. Governor Dan McKee; R.I. House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi; Christina Paxson, President of Brown University; R.I. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Lou DiPalma
Lower Left & Upper Right: Rhode Island Life Science Hub Chairman Neil Steinberg provides remarks.
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Organogenesis Pursuing Manufacturing Facility in Smithfield | |
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Organogenesis Holdings Inc., a regenerative medicine company specializing in advanced wound care and surgical products, announced plans to expand their manufacturing capabilities by opening a new facility in Smithfield. The company plans to invest more than $97 million to redevelop the site at 100 Technology Way, creating 103 full-time jobs within four years.
The project highlights Rhode Island’s growing focus on life sciences innovation, supported by a $5 million Business Attraction Grant from the Life Science Hub. This grant, part of a broader incentive package, aims to foster economic growth by attracting and retaining life sciences companies in the state. Additional support includes $10 million over five years from Rhode Island Commerce through the Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credit program and $3.2 million over 10 years through the Qualified Jobs Incentive Tax Credit program.
With strategic investments like these, the state continues to build its reputation as a destination for cutting-edge research, development and innovation in the life sciences industry.
🔗$5M grant key to R.I. biotech deal in Smithfield
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📣Registration Open: Rhode Island Neuroscience Symposium | |
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📣Registration is now open for the Rhode Island Neuroscience Symposium!🧠
This symposium will spotlight Rhode Island's vibrant neuroscience and neurotechnology ecosystem, fostering connections between scientists, entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders. Join us for a day of dynamic talks, innovative pitches and networking opportunities aimed at driving neuro-related innovation and economic growth.
💡 Presented by the Rhode Island Life Science Hub with the Carney Institute for Brain Science, NEMIC, RI Bio and the University of Rhode Island's George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience.
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Amgen RI Earns Excellence Award | |
Amgen Rhode Island received the 2024 Overall Excellence at an Enterprise Manufacturer award from Providence Business News. The West Greenwich facility has boosted manufacturing capacity by 150% since 2018 while prioritizing safety, quality and continuous improvement.
Producing life-saving therapies like Enbrel, Amgen focuses on oncology, inflammation, general medicine and rare diseases.
“Innovation spans all segments of our business,” said Brian Britson, VP of Site Operations. "We are proud to serve patients worldwide and support a thriving workforce in Rhode Island."
🔗: PBN: At Amgen Rhode Island, the focus is every action, every person, every time
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William M. Davies Jr. Career & Technical High School Earn Excellence in Collaboration Award | |
William M. Davies Jr. Career & Technical High School earned recognition for its exceptional collaboration with local businesses.
The Lincoln-based school has successfully bridged the gap between education and industry, offering students hands-on experiences in fields like advanced manufacturing.
“Our community partnerships are key to our success,” said Susan Votto, Administrator of Career and Technical Education. “It’s a lasting relationship that brings value to both students and employers.”
🔗: Davies Tech provides a win-win growth partnership to build the industry
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NEMIC Health Tech Pitch Night | |
The 2024 Fall HealthTech Pitch Night & Showcase marked a milestone for the region’s health innovation ecosystem. With nearly 200 attendees, 8 pitching companies and 22 exhibitors, the event set new records for engagement and participation.
This year introduced the first-ever prize competition, with cash awards determined by audience votes.
Congratulations to the winners:
🥇 Reach Neuro – Pioneering advancements in neurorehabilitation
🥈 FreezeNit – Innovating precision cryotherapy for medical applications
🥉 CranioSense – Enhancing cranial pressure monitoring for better outcomes
🔗:RECAP: Fall 2024 HealthTech Pitch Night & Showcase
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Workforce Development Summit | |
The Life Science Hub hosted a Workforce Development Summit, bringing together leaders from education, workforce and business sectors to discuss building a talent pipeline for life sciences.
The event featured key voices, including Bongsup Cho (URI), Glenn Robertelli (RI Bio), Jaime Nash (CCRI), Aidan Petrie (NEMIC), Tom Streicher (Skills for RI Future), Nora Crowley (RI DLT), Geoff Stilwell (RIC) and Amy Grybowski (NEIT, absent from photo).
The summit was facilitated by RI Life Science Hub Interim President Patrice Milos and Vice President Lilia Holt with Work Forces Consulting Partners Julian Alssid and Kaitlin LeMoine.
This summit highlighted the importance of collaboration in shaping a skilled workforce to meet the needs of Rhode Island’s growing life sciences sector.
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