top of page

Strengthening the
Life Science Sector in Rhode Island

Encouraging collaboration and innovation among public, private, and academic institutions.

Workforce: Unmatched Access to Talent & Training

92% job growth in 10 years; 8,000+ trained via Real Jobs RI; 200+ new jobs life science in next 5 years; 3660 life science workers in RI

Capital: Catalytic Capital That Unlocks Scale  

In the past five years, Rhode Island has seen nearly half a billion dollars infused into the life sciences sector:

  • ≈$233M in government funding for infrastructure, incubators, grants, and incentives

  • ≈$245M+ in private investment for incubators, corporate projects, and real estate

Facilities: Infrastructure Designed for Growth

$82M+ in lab construction; 212,000 ft² life science space in development

Research: Research Powerhouse with Global Reach

$1B+ in NIH funding in 10 yrs, ranking in top 10 in NIH funding per capita; 186 biotech patents held by local life science innovators

Strategic Location & Collaborative Ecosystem: Infrastructure Designed for Growth

Cross-sector support + proximity to 3 major biotech hubs

RILSH Impact To Date

$12M 

Capital Invested 

$80M 

Private Capital Investment

250+ Jobs

Created Over the Next 5 Years

WHAT WE DO

About the Life Science Hub

The Rhode Island Life Science Hub aims to strengthen the life science industry. 

The Rhode Island Life Science Hub's mission is to serve and grow the Rhode Island Life Science community, to act as an economic development organization and central coordinating entity for Life Sciences, to invest in business development opportunities that enhance the RI Life Sciences sector, to accelerate economic growth and job creation through the translation of scientific research and therapy development, to enable infrastructure and workforce development promoting economic prosperity and improved health for the region.

Why Rhode Island

Rhode Island is uniquely positioned for life sciences growth, located between the biotech hub of Massachusetts and the economic center of New York City. With a strong economy, leading academic institutions, a growing industry base, and committed leadership, the state has the assets to become a thriving, collaborative destination for biotech and life sciences innovation.

Why Rhode Island

Workforce: Unmatched Access to Talent & Training

 200+ new life science jobs in the next 5 years; 3600+ life science workers in RI

Capital: Catalytic Capital That Unlocks Scale  

In the past five years, Rhode Island has seen nearly half a billion dollars infused into the life sciences sector:

  • About $233M in government funding for infrastructure, incubators, grants, and incentives

  • Over $245M in private investment for incubators, corporate projects, and real estate

Research: Research Powerhouse with Global Reach

$1B+ in NIH funding in 10 yrs, ranking in top 10 in NIH funding per capita; 186 biotech patents held by local life science innovators

Strategic Location & Collaborative Ecosystem: Infrastructure Designed for Growth

Cross-sector support + proximity to major biotech hubs 

Facilities: Infrastructure Designed for Growth

$82M+ in lab construction; 212,000 ft²  life science space in development

Central Transportation Hub

image (3) (1) copy.png
Air Travel

Easy access two major airports: Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) & Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): Located just 45 minutes from RI.

image (3) (1) copy 2.png
Rail Service

Rhode Island’s rail network connects to Boston and NYC via Amtrak and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) (commuter) with frequent daily services.

image (3) (1) copy 3.png
Marine Transportation

Rhode Island Ports: New England’s Maritime Gateway. ProvPort and Port of Davisville offer deep-water Northeast access for all cargo types.

Access to Talent

There are 148 colleges and universities within a 60 mile commute of Providence.

  • Rhode Island has the highest student density per square mile in the US.

  • 250,000+ certificates and degrees awarded annually by colleges and universities

  • By focusing on STEM education, Rhode Island's higher education ecosystem is evolving as a hub for creative & gaming talent.

RI-Schools.jpg

Strategic Location & Collaborative Ecosystem

Rhode Island is centrally located in the heart of the northeast region’s $4.1 trillion economic corridor, with easy access and connectivity to Boston and New York.

Map.png

Lower Cost of Living

The average cost of living in Rhode Island is 24% lower than in Boston.

Cost-of-Living-1.jpg

Events

Rhode Island Biotech Summit

June 16, 2025

Rhode Island Neuroscience Symposium

JANUARY 28, 2025

THE LATEST

News

Stay up-to-date on what's happening at RI Life Science Hub

20240521-112.jpg
bottom of page