RISE UP Rhode Island
Empowering faculty, students, and entrepreneurs to turn Rhode Island’s ideas into tangible impact.
Opportunities For University Faculty In Rhode Island
RISE-UP: Advancing Innovation Among Ocean States
RISE-UP is a tri-state collaboration between the University of Rhode Island (through the URI Research Foundation), the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the University of Hawai‘i, supported by the U.S. Office of Naval Research.
Together, we accelerate the development of scalable, dual-use* technologies – strengthening innovation, commercialization, and workforce capacity across ocean, energy, and defense sectors.
*Dual Use = For commercial and military applications
Tri-State Collaboration
From Rhode Island to Alaska to Hawai‘i, RISE-UP unites regional strengths and research expertise. Each university tailors its programs to local priorities while contributing to a collective mission: advancing technologies that drive regional resilience and growth.
Dual-Use Innovation
RISE-UP supports the development of technologies with applications across civilian and defense sectors—from maritime systems and blue-economy tools to next-generation energy solutions. By linking discovery to deployment, the initiative helps innovators bring ideas from the lab to real-world use.
Entrepreneurial Training & Applied Research
Through coordinated pillar programs, RISE-UP provides hands-on opportunities for students, faculty, and entrepreneurs to translate ideas and research into viable products, services, and ventures. These programs blend entrepreneurial education, applied research, and commercialization support—empowering innovators to build ventures and technologies that matter.
Building an Ecosystem for Impact
Led by the URI Research Foundation, RISE-UP continues our mission to connect ideation and discovery with opportunity. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and workforce development across three ocean states, RISE-UP is helping the next generation of problem-solvers innovate for impact.
Supporting researchers with tools, funding pathways, and collaboration opportunities.
Rhode Island Academic Researchers Driving Discovery
Faculty in Rhode Island’s universities are at the forefront of solving pressing challenges in energy, marine sciences, and defense-related technologies.
Faculty Innovation Grants RI and Beyond
Innovation requires resources. RISE UP helps faculty identify and secure competitive funding opportunities, while also connecting them with commercialization support and industry partners.
Resources For Students & Entrepreneurs In Rhode Island
Providing hands-on experience and mentorship to launch impactful startups.
RI Student Startup Support That Builds Futures
University of Rhode Island students are gaining more than just classroom knowledge: they’re building solutions that matter. Through programs like the Ideation Studio, Innovation Challenges, and Pathways to Innovation, students receive hands-on training.
Entrepreneur Programs Rhode Island For Growth And Impact
RISE UP bridges the gap between entrepreneurs and opportunity. By connecting early-stage innovators with investors, accelerators, and industry leaders, RISE UP ensures that promising ideas have the resources and networks to thrive.
Our Programs
Patents2Products
A year-round fellowship that helps you translate your research into dual-use solutions.
Innovation Faculty Fellows
This year-long program helps you, as a faculty member, integrate entrepreneurial methods into your teaching and research.
PIE-D
PIE-D supports you in developing dual-use technologies by connecting you with academia, industry, and government partners.
Ideation Studio
In Ideation Studio, you work in interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions
Technology Transfer
Our guidance helps you move from the lab to the marketplace. You’ll get support with intellectual property, commercialization strategies.
Explore Our Locations
Discover where RISE UP is making an impact right in your community.
- Rhode Island: Collaborate with local universities and industry partners to bring your ideas to life.
- Alaska: Access tailored programs designed for remote and unique environments.
- Hawai’i: Engage with cross-disciplinary teams tackling energy, marine, and defense challenges.
Why Choose RISE UP?
We empower you to innovate, collaborate, and scale your ideas with confidence. Our unique value propositions include:
- Tailored Innovation Training – Designed for your region’s unique challenges.
- Graduate & Postdoctoral Fellowships – Mentorship and support to accelerate your research.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Work across sectors through our Ideation Studio program and testbeds.
- Real-World Impact – Solve critical workforce, supply chain, and environmental challenges.
- Community-Centered Innovation – Scale ideas that benefit both your region and the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You likely have questions about how RISE UP can help you. Here are the answers to the most common ones:
Who can participate in RISE UP programs?
University students and faculty entrepreneurs from RI, AK, and HI.
How do I apply to a fellowship or program?
Step-by-step guidance is provided on each program page.
What types of projects are supported?
Dual-use technologies for commercial and defense applications.
Take the Next Step
You’re ready to bring your ideas to life. Join RISE UP today to gain mentorship, resources, and a community of innovators dedicated to solving real-world challenges.