RISE-UP Rhode Island

Tech Transfer Fellows

The RISE-UP Technology Transfer Fellows Program provides URI graduate students and postdoctoral researchers with hands-on experience helping move university discoveries toward real-world impact.

Hosted through URI Innovations, the innovation and commercialization arm of the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation (URIRF), the program introduces Fellows to the processes that support research translation, intellectual property management, licensing, startup formation, and industry partnerships. Fellows work directly with the URI Innovations team to evaluate emerging technologies, assess commercial potential, and help connect university innovations with pathways to adoption.

Through this experience, Fellows gain practical exposure to how research moves from discovery to deployment while contributing to URI’s growing innovation ecosystem.

Learn more about technology transfer and commercialization at URI Innovations https://uriinnovations.org/

What Do Tech Transfer Fellows Do?


Technology Transfer Fellows support a variety of innovation and commercialization activities, including:

  • Evaluating invention disclosures and emerging technologies
  • Conducting market, competitive landscape, and prior art research
  • Assessing commercial opportunities and potential applications
  • Supporting intellectual property and patent strategy efforts
  • Developing technology summaries, marketing materials, and commercialization recommendations
  • Identifying potential licensing, partnership, and startup pathways
  • Supporting outreach to companies, entrepreneurs, and industry partners
  • Collaborating with researchers, inventors, and the URI Innovations team to advance promising technologies

No prior technology transfer experience is required. Fellows receive hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to the innovation ecosystem throughout the program.

 

Eligibility

Applicants should:

  • Be a current URI graduate student or postdoctoral researcher (exceptions may be considered)
  • Obtain approval from their faculty advisor if currently enrolled as a graduate student
  • Be authorized to work in the United States or otherwise eligible to participate through appropriate visa authorization
  • Commit approximately 10 hours per week
  • Be interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization, or research translation
  • Be able to participate in the program for approximately one year

What We Look For

Successful Fellows typically demonstrate:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Scientific, engineering, or technical expertise
  • Curiosity about innovation and commercialization
  • Initiative, professionalism, and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and manage deadlines
  • Interest in entrepreneurship, technology transfer, startups, or industry engagement

Students from all STEM and/or business disciplines are encouraged to apply.

    Program Expectations

    Fellows receive onboarding, training, and ongoing mentorship from the URI Innovations team. Most projects can be completed remotely and are designed to fit within a graduate student or postdoctoral schedule.

    Fellows are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding unpublished research, inventions, and intellectual property and will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Compensation is based on experience and program funding availability.

    Questions?

     

    For questions about the RISE-UP Technology Transfer Fellows Program, contact riseupri@urirf.org

    Interested in learning more about patents, licensing, startups, and technology commercialization? Visit URI Innovations

    Allison Markova

    Director, Innovation for Technology Transfer & Partnerships

    Meet Our Team

    Christian Cowan

    Executive Director & CEO, Polaris MEP

    Peter Rumsey

    Associate VP Economic Development, Innovation & Entrepreneurship- URI & Operations Director - URI Innovations

    Gina Lopardo

    Program Administrator

    Joe Loberti

    Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program Lead