RISE UP: Exploring Innovation for Dual Use* Solutions
A U.S. Office of Naval Research Initiative
*Dual Use = For Commercial and Military Applications
Connecting Ideas, People, & Places to Build Lasting Impact
We are building a stronger, more connected innovation ecosystem across Rhode Island, Alaska, and Hawai‘i. By linking universities, industry, and government, RISE UP helps you turn ideas into solutions.
Together, we are creating opportunities that accelerate research, entrepreneurship, and workforce development—especially in regions that are often overlooked but full of potential.
Who Should Get Involved?
If you’re looking to make an impact, RISE UP is here for you.
Students & Recent Graduates: You’ll gain hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world innovation experience.
Entrepreneurs & Startups: You’ll connect with industry, accelerators, and investors to bring your ideas to life.
Faculty & Researchers: You’ll receive support to commercialize your research.
Industry & Government Partners: You’ll gain access to next-generation talent and solutions tailored to your sector’s needs.
University-Industry Innovation That Moves Ideas Forward
At RISE UP, we believe groundbreaking ideas happen when research meets real-world application. That’s why we help you bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Academic Industry Collaboration
We create spaces where you can connect with leading researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. These collaborations give your ideas the traction they need to move from concept to impact.
University Innovation Partnership
RISE UP builds partnerships that make it easier for your university research to reach the marketplace. Through mentorship and training, we make sure your discoveries scale into solutions.
Our Pillars of Innovation
We designed RISE UP to give you the foundation and resources needed to thrive in turning ideas into impactful solutions. Our approach is built on five key pillars:
Patents2Products
Transforming intellectual property into market-ready innovations.
Innovation Faculty Fellows
Helping educators to integrate entrepreneurship into their curricula and lead real-world change.
Ideation Studio
Sparking interdisciplinary collaboration to generate breakthrough solutions.
Tech Transfer
Pathways to Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Defense:
Dual-Use Technology Commercialization
Innovation doesn’t stop at discovery; it grows when applied to real-world needs. At RISE UP, we focus on dual-use technologies, designed to serve both commercial and defense applications.
Commercial Defense Solutions
Military & Commercial Tech Transfer
RISE UP helps you move your ideas from the lab into practice. With tech transfer support, licensing guidance, and commercialization strategies, your discoveries reach those who need them most.
Regional Innovation Programs
RISE UP is more than a program: it’s a movement across three states united by big ideas and unique challenges.
Local Innovation Initiatives
In Rhode Island, Alaska, and Hawai‘i, you’ll find programs that can help you build solutions that address your location’s unique challenges. From student challenges to startup accelerators, RISE UP meets you where you are.
State-Based Tech Fellowship Programs
Through our fellowship opportunities, you gain mentorship, support, and the training needed to grow your research and entrepreneurship while solving real-world challenges.
RISE UP Rhode Island
RISE UP Alaska
RISE UP Hawaii
Dive into ocean-centric innovation. Learn how our Hawaii branch harnesses the region’s unparalleled maritime environment for breakthroughs in the blue economy.
FAQs
Who can participate in RISE UP programs?
University students and faculty entrepreneurs from Rhode Island, Alaska, and Hawai‘i.
How do I apply to a fellowship or program?
Each program page provides step-by-step guidance to help you apply.
What types of projects are supported?
We focus on dual-use technologies that serve both commercial and defense needs.
Resilient, Innovative, Sustainable Economies
Funded by the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR), and in affiliation with the University of Rhode Island, the RISE-UP (Resilient, Innovative, Sustainable Economies via University Partnerships) initiative is designed to bridge the gap between ideation, innovation, and market success. By focusing on key sectors, RISE-UP prepares participants to tackle current challenges and drive innovation in fields like marine technology and energy. Additionally, it fosters collaboration between universities, industries, and communities, ensuring that the solutions developed are both resilient and sustainable..