PRESS RELEASE

Rhode Island Life Science Hub Boosts Industry Growth with $450,000 Investments in Local Partners

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Rhode Island Life Science Hub has awarded $450,000 in funding to four organizations to support and drive growth in Rhode Island’s life sciences industry. Programming funds are designed to advance the life science industry within the state by expanding programs that foster entrepreneurship, company growth, and workforce development.

“The Rhode Island Life Science Hub is proud to champion the work being done by our life science partners while creating new opportunities to develop and grow the state’s innovation ecosystem, workforce, and economy,” said Rhode Island Life Science Hub President and CEO Dr. Mark Turco. “These four recipients exemplify Rhode Island’s exceptional impact in educating and inspiring the next generation of individuals that will work to accelerate commercialization of cutting-edge biotechnologies, medical devices, and health care solutions through targeted programs that support entrepreneurship and industry collaboration.” 

Established by the R.I. Life Science Hub and approved by its board of directors in September of 2024, the funding program features two distinct tracks: the scale track, which supports existing life science programs that have already shown significant benefit to Rhode Island-based life science companies, and the pilot track, which promotes a diverse life science ecosystem by supporting tailored programming to meet the needs of a growing life science industry. 

Recipients of the pilot track award include:

• Nova Design will receive $50,000 to develop and pilot the Nova Ignite Program, which will support female founders developing products in the health and wellness and/or medical device field. Nova is a leading design, engineering, and research firm specializing in user-centric innovation and manufacturability, focusing on technologies in the field of health, wellness, medical devices, and consumer products.

• Courage Builder (Tribe Academy) will receive $50,000 to support the creation of two new innovative STEM and career-focused programs using virtual reality technology for students. The Courage Kids Innovation Experience for Life Sciences will allow K -12 students to experience the technology, skills, and careers in life sciences through virtual reality simulations, classroom experiences and engagement with local life science organizations. The Courage Builder Externship Program for Life Sciences is a five-week hybrid program for undergraduate college students that provides real-world career experiences, networking with industry professionals, and team project and site visits to Rhode Island university laboratories and life science companies. Courage Builder is an award-winning, Rhode Island-based startup focused on education, career, and professional development programs in high growth sectors, with a strong focus on programs that remove barriers to entry and engage a broader community of students throughout the state.

Recipients of the scale track include:

• New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC) will receive $200,000 to scale its MedTech Leadership, Accelerator, Fee-for-Service Consulting, and Virtual Classroom programs. As a nonprofit, NEMIC supports MedTech and HealthTech innovators by providing expert mentorship for early-stage startup companies. 

• RI Bio will receive $150,000 to support industry-relevant education through monthly workshops and lunch-and-learns on paths to commercialization of life science technology to startup companies and entrepreneurs. It will also provide structured guidance for life science startups, including networking, clinical and regulatory assistance, to enhance industry engagement.

The programming applications were approved by the Life Science Hub’s board of directors at its February 20 meeting. Awardees will receive funding for one year of programming, with an opportunity to renew for a second year based on agreed metrics.

“The Nova Ignite Program is fueling the next wave of life science innovation in Rhode Island, turning bold ideas into breakthrough solutions,” said Jeanette Numbers, founder of Nova. This funding will bolster pioneering female-founded startups, accelerate cutting-edge research, and strengthen the state’s position as a hub for biotech and medical advancements. By investing in the future of life sciences, we’re not just igniting progress—we’re building a thriving ecosystem that drives discovery, job creation, and global impact.”

 "The expected growth in jobs and innovation in Rhode Island's life sciences sector requires innovative and effective programs to engage the next generation of talent,” said Nishita Roy-Pope, founder and CEO of Courage Builder. “We are honored and excited that Courage Builder has received the Rhode Island Life Science Hub grant award for 2025. With this funding, we will be able to leverage our extensive experience in emerging sector career programs and expand them to lead and deliver two life sciences, student-focused programs. By investing in the next generation of talent, we will strengthen our life science workforce and support Rhode Island on its journey to be an innovation leader."

“NEMIC is proud to be Rhode Island’s only dedicated MedTech and HealthTech hub for startups, and this grant from the Rhode Island Life Science Hub will allow us to further strengthen our support for innovators,” said Maey Petrie, executive director of NEMIC. “To date, we have worked with over 460 startups and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenging path from idea to commercialization. These early-stage companies are not just developing cutting-edge healthcare solutions—they are fueling the State’s economy by hiring employees, contracting local service providers, and leveraging Rhode Island’s business ecosystem to grow and thrive.” 

"Funding from the Rhode Island Life Science Hub will enable RI Bio to significantly expand its early-stage programming, providing the critical resources, mentorship, and infrastructure needed to transform groundbreaking ideas into high-impact life science startups,” said Glenn Robertelli, executive director of RI Bio. “By fostering innovation and accelerating commercialization, this investment strengthens Rhode Island’s biotech ecosystem and positions the state as a leader in life science entrepreneurship."

As part of its commitment to strengthening the state’s life science sector, the Rhode Island Life Science Hub is implementing new funding to attract new businesses, support existing partners, and foster industry growth. The programs include relocation support for out-of-state companies to establish operations in Rhode Island, funding to catalyze growth for Rhode Island companies, and targeted investments for life sciences businesses and manufacturers to support scaling and infrastructure. Details on these programs can be found on the RI Life Science Hub’s website.

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About the Rhode Island Life Science Hub: The Life Science 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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 10, 2025

Media Contact: Jillian Scott

401-474-7128