Ocean Technology Innovation Center is sponsored by Rhode Island Commerce (via Innovation Campus Grant awards to URI Research Foundation). This grant supports a collaboration and maker space for ocean technology companies operated by the URI Research Foundation.

McKee Administration Awards $9. 7 Million in Grants to Advance Ocean Technology Commercialization Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

McKee Administration Awards $9. 7 Million in Grants to Advance Ocean Technology Commercialization By Rhode Island Commerce on From left to right: Dr. Bethany Jenkins of URI, Governor McKee, Secretary Liz Tanner, Joseph M. Brito, Jr. of Unity Park BRISTOL, R.

I. — Today, Governor Dan McKee and Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner announced the recipients of Innovation Campus Grant awards that will focus on advancing ocean technology commercialization and job creation in Rhode Island. The Innovation Campus Initiative—launched through a $20 million voter-approved bond in 2016—aims to bring together leading industry, academic, and research partners.

The $9. 7 million awarded today is expected to leverage at least an equal amount in private and federal investments. The two innovation campuses are projected to generate 425 new jobs over the next decade .

Grants are being awarded to the following: The Ocean Technology Innovation Center | University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Narragansett | $5.

7 million | A collaboration and maker space for ocean technology companies operated by the URI Research Foundation that will support companies spinning out of URI as well as non-affiliated companies leveraging URI’s best-in-class testing facilities on its Bay Campus such as wave tank, tow tank, and testing pier. "Rhode Island is where innovation thrives," said Governor Dan McKee .

"These Innovation Campus grants represent a strategic investment in our blue economy — creating jobs, expanding opportunity, and positioning Rhode Island as a national leader for ocean tech development." "These new Innovation Campus grants represent a major investment in the future of ocean technology and innovation in Rhode Island," said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner .

"By supporting the development of these new campuses at Unity Park and URI—we are creating pathways for groundbreaking research and new jobs that will strengthen our state’s leadership in the ocean economy." Designed to exemplify strong public-private partnerships, Innovation Campuses require at least one industry partner as well as a match of funds.

Unity Park, LLC and collaborators including MassRobotics will provide a dollar-for-dollar match in support of the Blue Robotics Lab grant; URI will leverage federal funding to further support its new Ocean Technology Center and will engage with several industry partners who leverage the space.

"Since its inception in 2020, Unity Park has developed partnerships that have benefited the entire region, and the Unity Park "campus" is proof of it," said Dr. Joseph M. Brito, Jr., President & CEO of Unity Park, LLC .

"Increasing the synergies of this innovation center will develop strategic partnerships with the Blue Robotics Lab/MassRobotics and will foster dialogue, collaboration and knowledge-sharing among blue tech industries which will support the development of marine tech innovation across Rhode Island."

The Innovation Campus Initiative requires collaboration with the University of Rhode Island for all campuses; the Blue Robotics Lab will benefit URI students in the form of internships and the potential for professional careers. And the Ocean Technology Innovation Center will help accelerate the commercialization of technology developed at URI as well as foster deeper industry relationships with the university.

"The Innovation Campuses are an investment in Rhode Island’s future—and the University of Rhode Island is proud to help lead the way. By harnessing our world-class research facilities and talent, we’re accelerating the commercialization of cutting-edge discoveries in the blue economy, cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs, and attracting companies to grow right here in the state.

This is how we translate discovery into opportunity—and build a stronger, more innovative Rhode Island for all," said Marc Parlange, President, University of Rhode Island .