Innovation Incentives and Startup Support
Forecasted
Innovation Incentives and Startup Support helps Rhode Island businesses, inventors, and support organizations fund R&D, patent filings, and startup services to move innovations toward commercialization.
Funder: Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Invention Incentive) | July 2027 (Innovation Voucher)
Funding Amounts: Innovation Voucher: up to $75,000 | Network Matching: $50,000 minimum request; typically $75,000–$125,000 | Invention Incentive: up to $5,000
Summary: Rhode Island Commerce connects businesses and innovators with R&D grants, patent-expense reimbursement, startup support, and commercialization resources.
Key Information: These are separate programs with different applicant rules; Network Matching grants require a cash or in-kind match.
Description
Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s Innovation Incentives and Startup Support portfolio connects businesses and entrepreneurs with funding and resources from early-stage research and development through commercialization. It also connects ventures with research talent, collaborative partners, labs, prototyping facilities, incubators, and other support.
The Innovation Voucher funds R&D by eligible small businesses, either with a knowledge provider or internally by Rhode Island manufacturers. Innovation Network Matching Grants fund organizations that help small businesses obtain technical assistance, flexible space, or access to capital. The Invention Incentive Program reimburses eligible patent-filing expenses. The portfolio also points businesses to support connected to federal SBIR/STTR applications and awards.
