RISE-UP

RISE-UP is a collaboration between the University of Alaska, University of Rhode Island (implemented via 401 Tech Bridge) and the University of Hawaii funded by the US Office of Naval Research (ONR).

What does Alaska, Hawai’i, and Rhode Island have in common? Each of these states historically has very similar sized populations (1M+) as well as similar issues in the domain of workforce resiliency, supply-chain barriers, and under-utilized ocean economic opportunities. The risk of interruption of these states’ supply chains are heightened because of their strategic national defense importance. RISE-UP seeks to bridge the gap between industry and academia to solve dual-use challenges through the acceleration of the translation of research and intellectual property into products, services, and ultimately new business ventures into and out of their universities and start-up ecosystems.

The RISE-UP pillar programs focus on the development of commercialized scalable technologies and build a workforce for the Navy and industries of the future. With a keen focus on developing new dual use technologies that may translate into innovative products, services, and, ideally, new ventures, the distinct RISE-UP pillar programs are implemented and adjusted locally to drive meaningful research and innovation outcomes among many groups – students, faculty, the greater community, and critical technology areas – to include energy, maritime technology, and the overall blue economy.