We are URI Ventures.

The University of Rhode Island faculty, staff, and student research often leads to new companies, cutting-edge patents, and innovative public-private partnerships. URI Ventures (formerly the URI Research Foundation) oversees market analysis, commercialization of protected intellectual property, and the development of business relationships with corporate and government partners. These commercialization activities advance Rhode Island’s economy while improving society and human lives.

URI Venture’s Polaris MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership) is the resource for Rhode Island manufacturers. Polaris MEP provides a wide array of growth services to the manufacturing industry in the state, including a direct connection to the University of Rhode Island for R&D, testing, and more.

Do You Have New Research to Discuss?
Are You Interested in Licensing IP or Sponsoring Research?

FEATURED TECHNOLOGIES

THE TEAM

Christan Cowan
URIRF Executive Director
ccowan@401techbridge.org
(401) 270-8896

Pete Rumsey
Chief Business Development Officer
URI Ventures
peter_rumsey@uri.edu

Erik Brine
Director, URI Defense Sector R&D Initiatives and Operations
URI Ventures
erik_brine@uri.edu

Christine Smith
Director, Special Projects
URI Ventures
cmbsmith@uri.edu

George Nickolopoulos
University Program Director
URI Ventures
georgen@uri.edu

Jackie Mazza
Chief Financial Officer
URI Ventures
jmazza@401techbridge.org

Mary Springer, CPA
Director, Finance and Administration
Director, Human Resources
URI Ventures
mary_springer@uri.edu
(401) 874-5964

Karen Toppa
Bookkeeper
URI Ventures
ktoppa@polarismep.org
(401) 874-7444

Voting Members

Peter J. Snyder, Chair, ex officio
URI Vice President for Division of Research and Economic Development
Division of Research and Economic Development

Marc B. Parlange, ex officio
URI President
University of Rhode Island

Abigail Rider, ex officio
URI Vice President for Division of Administration and Finance
Division of Administration and Finance

Victor Bell, Director
President (Ret.)
Lorax EPI

Jennifer Brower, Director
Principal Scientist
Raytheon

Peter Kaczmarek, Director
President
Mearthane Products Corporation

Clare King, Director
President
Propel, LLC

Matthew M. Neyland, Director
President
SK Wealth Management, LLC

Paul J. Roberti, Director
President
Greene River Advisors, LLC

Thomas J. Rockett, Director
URI Emeritus

Christian Cowan, URIRF Executive Director 
URI Research Foundation

Brian S. Dunckley, Treasurer
President
Plum Pointe Wealth Management

Melissa McCarthy, Secretary/Clerk
Director, University Research External Relations
University of Rhode Island

Theodore B. Howell, Counsel
Howell Legal

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