Rhode Island

R.I. life science agency approves tentative, $10M contract for wet lab incubator in Providence

Published

2 years ago

October 11, 2024

R.I. life science agency approves tentative, M contract for wet lab incubator in Providence

The seven-story PVD Labs building under construction in Providence will include a 30,000 wet and dry lab incubator under a tentative agreement approved by the Rhode Island Life Science Hub board on Thursday. (Rendering courtesy of Ancora L&G)

Rhode Island’s first, dedicated incubator for start-up life science companies now has a home, and a developer under a $10 million, non-binding contract approved by the Rhode Island Life Science Hub board Thursday.

The quasi-public state agency’s unanimous vote came minutes after a closed-door, virtual discussion on the terms of state funding for the wet lab reserved for testing drugs, chemicals and other biological material. A term sheet outlining details of the partnership and public financing is not being made public until finalized, according to Jillian Scott, a spokesperson for the agency.

Broadly described in a press release, the draft agreement brings together the state’s nascent, life science agency with Brown University, the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission and developer Ancora L&G to house the much-anticipated state incubator within the new, seven-story health and science building already under construction in the I-195 District.

The PVD Labs project at 150 Richmond St. broke ground in late 2022, with plans to house a new, 80,000-square-foot state health laboratory and offer 120,000 square feet for commercial life science tenants. Brown University, which has already signed as an anchor tenant with a corresponding $13 million, 10-year investment in the building, will sublease 30,000 square feet to serve as the state incubator.

The Rhode Island Life Science Hub is kicking in $9 million from its $45 million, three-year state budget for development and construction costs, among other startup expenses, with another $1 million from via the I-195 District Commission.

Neil Steinberg, chairman of the Life Science Hub, praised the panel’s decision as a “historic move,” that will help put Rhode Island on the map as a destination for life science innovation and investment.

Creating space for startup companies to research and test drugs, chemicals and other biological material was a key reason why lawmakers and industry leaders wanted a dedicated Rhode Island life science agency.

“The development of this lab space is a transformative step for the life sciences community in Rhode Island,” Steinberg said in a statement. “The project meets an urgent need for modern, incubator lab facilities in the state to support existing life science companies and attract new ones.”

Ancora was one of three companies that submitted proposals in response to a competitive solicitation issued in April. Other bids were not immediately available, though the tentative selection of Ancora comes after a “comprehensive evaluation process” by a board subcommittee, according to an agency statement.

The Life Science Hub board still has to negotiate and approve a final, binding agreement, a timeline for which has not been set.

The incubator is expected to be open and operating by the end of 2025.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Source link

Click to comment

Rhode Island

Throwback: USS Rhode Island commissioned in Newport

Published

15 minutes ago

July 9, 2026

Press Room

Throwback: USS Rhode Island commissioned in Newport

(WJAR) — Thirty-two years ago was the commissioning of a Navy submarine named after the Ocean State.

Maria Stephanos was on board the USS Rhode Island on July 9, 1994.

Rhode Island was the Navy’s 15th Trident class ballistic submarine.

It was commissioned in Newport and was the first to be christened in its namesake state.

Source link

Rhode Island

Handshake Initiative instills confidence, motivation in students

Published

10 hours ago

July 8, 2026

Press Room

Handshake Initiative instills confidence, motivation in students

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — They come from all walks of life, including many professionals in the community, taking time out of their busy days to welcome students to school with enthusiasm and handshakes.

“We learn a lot of new handshakes, too,” Kobi Dennis said. “High-fives. Pounds with an explosion. We get a little bit of everything.”

It’s the Handshake Initiative, the brainchild of now Central Falls Police Chief Anthony Roberson.

Everybody can use some encouragement, and students in Rhode Island get that the minute they head toward the school building.

Initially, the students and parents didn’t know what to think.

“I was confused because I thought it was going to be a normal day,” said one student.

“Their parents were getting out of their cars trying to see what’s going on,” Reservoir Avenue School Principal Cynthia Torres said.

But now, they crave it.

“It makes me feel motivated,” another student said.

Dennis adds in an etiquette component.

“Teaching the kids how to shake hands, look one another in the eyes with a firm grip — girl or guy — firm grip and say ‘hello’ and introduce yourself, that’s part of the initiative as well,” Dennis said.

Providence school superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez said it sends a strong message.

“We hear you, we see you, and we’re here for you,” Montañez said.

Torres strategically uses them on standardized test days.

“They say, ‘I’m going to do really good today,’” she said.

“It makes me feel encouraged to do better in school,” a student said.

They’ve connected with thousands of students across Rhode Island.

“It’s about shaking hands and building relationships, but it’s also about letting young people know that there are professionals in the community cheering for them every single day,” Dennis said.

Do you know of a nonprofit organization or volunteers doing great work in your community? Fill out a short nomination form for “Community Treasures.”

Source link