KINGSTON, R.I. — December 19, 2017 — The Rhode Island Commerce Corp., in partnership with the University of Rhode Island, is seeking proposals for the establishment of one or more Innovation Campuses in Rhode Island.
The Innovation Campus project is supported by a $20 million bond referendum approved by voters in 2016.
The project represents an opportunity for industry, academic, real estate and/or research organizations to form a partnership with the University of Rhode Island, under the auspices of the Rhode Island Executive Office of Commerce. The partnership is designed to foster innovation, the commercialization of academic research and job creation. Respondents to the request for proposals can be a combination of any of the above types of entities and must, at a minimum, include one business partner and the University of Rhode Island.
The request for proposals outlines the goals of the state for encouraging partnerships that close the gap between the high level of academic research in Rhode Island and the comparatively low level of subsequent commercialization, business growth and job creation.
The minimum criteria that respondents must meet are:
- Partner with URI
- Propose a match that exceeds the amount of money requested from the bond issue
- Involve at least one business partner
- Create a substantial number of jobs at a variety of skill levels.
The request for proposals outlines additional requirements, including the conceptual and financial dimensions of each proposal, as well as further details on submissions and the selection of winners.
Proposals are due March 2, 2018, at 2 p.m. For additional details, visit the Rhode Island Commerce Corp. Those interested may also call or email Katharine Flynn, executive director of the URI Business Engagement Center, at 401-874-7084 or khflynn@uri.edu.