Seven emerging companies advancing new medical treatments, research tools, and biomanufacturing technologies aim to grow Rhode Island’s life sciences industry.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – November 13, 2026 – The Rhode Island Life Science Hub (RILSH) today announced seven companies for the Founders Compass program at Ocean State Labs, Powered by Portal Innovations (OSL), an initiative designed to help early-stage life sciences companies access the laboratory infrastructure and resources needed to advance scientific discoveries, develop new technologies, and grow their businesses in Rhode Island.
The companies are pursuing innovations that address significant healthcare challenges, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, atrial fibrillation, and wound infections. Others are developing technologies to make the manufacturing of biologic medicines more efficient and help scientists conduct research more effectively.
In their applications, the companies identified Rhode Island’s growing life sciences infrastructure, access to leading academic and clinical research institutions, proximity to the Northeast’s biotechnology industry, and collaborative business environment as advantages for building and growing their businesses. Several also emphasized the opportunity to establish operations more cost-effectively than in larger, more established biotechnology markets.
In turn, these companies represent opportunities for Rhode Island to attract investment, create specialized jobs, expand research and manufacturing capabilities, and translate scientific discoveries into commercial technologies. Their growth could strengthen the state’s position in emerging areas such as neuroscience, cancer therapeutics, artificial intelligence, and advanced biomanufacturing.
The seven companies are:
- Acre Therapeutics – Developing nucleic acid-based therapies targeting biological processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease, with the goal of slowing disease progression.
- Ensemble Biosystems – Developing quantum-native biomanufacturing platform designed to make the production of therapeutics more efficient, reliable, and affordable.
- EQLabs, Inc. – Developing AI-powered laboratory tools designed to document experiments in real time, reduce manual work, and improve the reproducibility of scientific records.
- Liseva Bio, Inc. – Developing off-the-shelf natural killer (NK) cell therapies, initially focused on treatment-resistant ovarian cancer.
- Red Maple LifeSciences, Inc. – Developing next-generation materials for precision wound care, enabling the detection of and response to bacterial infection directly at the wound site.
- TEEM Therapeutics – Discovering potential new drugs for atrial fibrillation using engineered human heart tissues, advanced sensors, and artificial intelligence.
- Velatrope Therapeutics, Inc. – Developing nanoparticle-based technologies designed to deliver therapeutic molecules to disease-associated cells in the brain, with the goal of treating Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Founders Compass is designed to reduce barriers for emerging life sciences companies by providing eligible participants with up to 12 months of rent-free laboratory space at Ocean State Labs, helping companies direct more resources toward research, development, and commercialization.
“These companies represent the kind of innovation we want to see taking root and growing in Rhode Island,” said Bob Cormier, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub. “By supporting entrepreneurs at the earliest stages, we’re helping create the conditions for promising discoveries to become new technologies, new businesses, and ultimately better healthcare outcomes.”
“For early-stage life sciences companies, access to laboratory space, equipment, programming, and a supportive community can make a significant difference in turning promising ideas into viable businesses,” said Danya Lavin, Executive Director of Ocean State Labs. “We’re excited to welcome this group of founders and help them advance their technologies, build connections, and establish a foundation for long-term growth here in Rhode Island.”
The initiative reflects RILSH’s commitment to building a stronger life sciences ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs with the infrastructure, research institutions, and resources needed to advance their technologies and establish lasting operations in Rhode Island.
Learn more about the selected companies and their innovations
About the Rhode Island Life Science Hub
The Rhode Island Life Science Hub is a state-established organization dedicated to growing Rhode Island’s life sciences industry by supporting innovation, connecting resources, attracting investment, and creating opportunities for companies, researchers, and the state’s workforce.
About Ocean State Labs
Ocean State Labs is Rhode Island’s first dedicated life science incubator, located at 150 Richmond Street in Providence’s 195 District. Established by the Rhode Island Life Science Hub in partnership with the State of Rhode Island, Brown University, the 195 District, and L&G Asset Management America, the incubator is operated by Portal Innovations. Ocean State Labs provides early-stage life sciences companies with fully equipped laboratory and office space, shared equipment, venture development support, and access to a network of investors, advisors, and industry partners to help them develop, grow, and commercialize their technologies.
Media Contact:
Charles Smith
Director of Marketing and Communications
Rhode Island Life Science Hub
Charles.Smith@rilifescience.com