PARTNERS

  • BROWN UNIVERSITY NELSON CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

    With centuries of innovative research, teaching, and learning, Brown has always been fertile ground for entrepreneurial thinking. Whether in the classroom through the open curriculum, or through a wide range of co-curricular activities, Brown students have long pursued ambitious solutions to challenging problems. The excitement that infuses all of this activity is one of collaboration, critical problem solving, and a commitment to interdisciplinary and creative thinking. In short, this is entrepreneurship that is distinctly Brown.

    Learn more about Brown University Nelson Center for entrepreneurship here.

  • RHODE ISLAND BIO (RIBIO)

    Rhode Island Bio advances the life sciences through education, collaboration, and advocacy. We connect life sciences companies, hospitals, universities, sources of capital and government partners to fuel innovations that change the world and improve lives.

    Learn more about RIBio here.

  • CONNECTICUT INNOVATIONS

    Connecticut Innovations is the leading source of financing and ongoing support for Connecticut’s innovative, growing companies. Connecticut Innovations proudly serve great Connecticut companies, no matter what stage of growth they’re in.

    Learn more about Connecticut Innovations here.

  • NEW ENGLAND MEDICAL INNOVATION CENTER

    NEMIC provides expert support to innovators and entrepreneurs in the medical technologies space. They draw on an extensive network, implement curated workshops, facilitate clinical access, connect with investors, and provide a co-working space to help harness creativity and productivity.

    Learn more about NEMIC here.

  • MASSCHALLENGE

    MassChallenge is a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators. Headquartered in the United States with locations in Boston, Israel, Mexico, Rhode Island, Switzerland, and Texas, MassChallenge is committed to strengthening the global innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential startups across all industries, from anywhere in the world. To date, more than 1,900MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $4 billion in funding, generated more than $2.5 billion in revenue, and created more than 120,000 total jobs.

    Learn more about MassChallenge here.

  • SOCIAL ENTERPRISE GREENHOUSE

    Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) serves social entrepreneurs in Rhode Island and accessible markets who are exploring, launching, and growing businesses to achieve social and environmental impact as well as economic growth. We offer a menu of services for every stage of business development and create a supportive ecosystem for do well, do good entrepreneurs. We do so in collaboration with our community partners and our volunteer network of over 300 business and community leaders who contribute their time, expertise and funding to grow Rhode Island’s social impact ecosystem.

    Learn more about SEG here.

  • SLATER TECHNOLOGY FUND

    The Slater Technology Fund is an evergreen not-for-profit seed fund dedicated to supporting new venture development in Rhode Island. More than two decades ago, Slater launched a platform for seed-stage investing in Rhode Island; today, the organization remains the most active seed-stage investor in the state. Slater has invested in hundreds of technology ventures in the region, achieving multiple exits while also generating economic impact returns in the form of high-wage jobs.

    Learn more about Slater here.

  • VENTURE MENTORING SERVICE OF RI

    Venture Mentoring Service of RI is a nonprofit providing experienced, unbiased business advice at no cost to entrepreneurs operating in Rhode Island. Modeled after MIT's VMS program, VMS of RI delivers unconditional business guidance by a dedicated team of qualified, volunteer mentors to entrepreneurs from any industry, and at any stage of development -- from idea to mature venture. Owners/founders who are serious about growing their business are welcome to apply to VMS of RI.

    Learn more about VMS of RI here

  • RHODE ISLAND-ISRAEL COLLABORATIVE (RIIC)

    The collaborative is a not-for-profit organization that fosters and strengthens trade, business, academic exchange and research between Rhode Island and Israel to benefit the economy and community of each location. The Rhode Island-Israel Collaborative (RIIC) does so by building and strengthening the relationships between the government organizations, businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, members of academia and the research community in Rhode Island and Israel.

    Learn more about RIIC here