Pioneering Program Launches at URI to Foster Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The University of Rhode Island (URI) has recently announced the appointment of eleven distinguished faculty members to the inaugural cohort of RISE-UP Innovation & Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows. The 401 Tech Bridge program, supported by the U.S. Office of Naval Research, is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship not only at URI but also across the entire state of Rhode Island.

This groundbreaking initiative seeks to advance intellectual development and entrepreneurship across college campuses. With a focus on integrating innovation and entrepreneurship into the curriculum, the program aims to expose students and faculty to a myriad of opportunities and further develop the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the URI community. The Faculty Fellows will play a critical role in spearheading this transformative process.

Nancy Forster-Holt, a clinical faculty member at URI’s College of Business, has been appointed as the program lead. She has been instrumental in developing interdisciplinary programs in innovation and entrepreneurship at the university and is deeply involved in the Launch Lab, an initiative that supports budding entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into reality.

At the helm of the first cohort are ten esteemed faculty members from diverse academic disciplines, spanning from Business to Oceanography to Nursing. Their expertise and commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship make them valuable additions to the program.

The Faculty Fellows are set to leverage their vast knowledge and skills to infuse a spirit of entrepreneurship into URI’s academic framework and the wider community. By collaborating with real businesses, they aim to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities presented by the industries of the future.

Yuwen Chen, from the College of Business, underscores the importance of connecting academia with industry. He emphasises that collaboration between faculty and industry will not only benefit the students but also create a positive impact on local businesses. In a collaborative culture, the potential for growth and innovation is limitless.

Christy Ashley, Associate Dean in URI’s College of Business, sees the appointment of Faculty Fellows as a strategic investment that will enhance collaboration between different colleges within the university and key industry players. This pioneering program will complement existing initiatives and contribute to the economic prosperity of the region.

The implementation of the Faculty Fellows program represents a crucial step towards fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at URI. The initiative is poised to bring about an exciting transformation in the academic and entrepreneurial landscape and will undoubtedly pave the way for a bright future for the students and the wider community.

For more information and updates on the RISE-UP Innovation & Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows program, please visit the official website and stay connected with the latest developments on LinkedIn.