URI_Research_Magazine_Momentum_Fall_2021_Melissa-McCarthy

Engaging with Rhode Island COMPANIES written by ALLISON FARRELLY ’16

For the smallest state in the union, Rhode Island punches above its weight in the manufacturing arena. The URI Research Foundation (URIRF) is working to support innovation at those 1,600+ businesses and connect them to resources and talent at the University. URIRF interacts with manufacturing businesses on a local and regional level through the institution’s Polaris Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP) and 401 Tech Bridge programs, both of which aim to boost local economy and use federal funding to help companies better engage with URI. “We’re a good connector between researchers, students, and small manufacturers in Rhode Island,”

An industrial mixer used to mix materials for products in the pilot stage and starting to scale up for larger production.

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