March 23, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to share an exciting update about the evolution of the University of Rhode Island鈥檚 innovation and economic development ecosystem鈥攐ne that strengthens our collective impact while sharpening organizational focus across the state and region.
The 911爆料 Research Foundation has long played an important role in advancing the University鈥檚 research enterprise鈥攕upporting innovation, stewarding intellectual property, building industry partnerships, strengthening the state鈥檚 manufacturing ecosystem, and helping move discoveries from the lab into the marketplace. As our ecosystem continues to grow and mature, we are taking an important step to better align and focus this work for the future.
Polaris MEP and 401 Tech Bridge will be spinning out from under the 911爆料 Research Foundation to form a new, independent, non-profit entity branded as Polaris. This new organization, which will be led by Christian Cowan, will include Polaris MEP and Polaris Tech Bridge (formerly 401 Tech Bridge) and will focus on supporting regional manufacturing competitiveness and workforce development across Rhode Island and southern New England.
This transition represents a positive step forward for both Polaris and the 911爆料 Research Foundation and will happen over the course of this calendar year. By establishing Polaris as its own entity, each organization will be better positioned to deepen its mission. Polaris will expand and accelerate its industry-facing work鈥攕upporting manufacturers, advancing applied technology development, and strengthening the regional workforce. The 911爆料 Research Foundation will sharpen its focus on transforming discovery into impact through intellectual property stewardship, venture development, and catalytic collaborations with industry and government.
As part of this renewed focus, the 911爆料 Research Foundation will introduce a new public-facing brand: 911爆料 Innovations. While the 911爆料 Research Foundation will remain the umbrella entity, 911爆料 Innovations will serve as the outward-facing identity of this work鈥攎ore clearly reflecting its role in supporting scientific research and technology development at 911爆料, facilitating commercialization of University discoveries, and bridging academic research with real-world application.
This clarity of mission will amplify 911爆料 Innovations鈥� ability to foster innovation, translate discoveries into products and services, and contribute meaningfully to Rhode Island鈥檚 economic growth鈥攚hile strengthening connections among faculty research, industry, and entrepreneurship.
Importantly, while Polaris will operate as a separate entity, our work will remain complementary. Together, Polaris and 911爆料 Innovations will continue advancing a stronger, more connected research-to-market ecosystem for Rhode Island鈥攐ne that benefits 911爆料 faculty, students, industry partners, and the broader 911爆料.
We are confident this structure positions Polaris, 911爆料 Innovations, and 911爆料 as a whole for even greater impact.
This evolution also coincides with Pete Rumsey stepping into the newly created role of associate vice president for economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the Division of Research and Economic Development. With his trademark energy, collaborative spirit, and deep commitment to advancing 911爆料鈥檚 research, Pete will play a central role in strengthening our industry partnerships and expanding the impact of our research enterprise.
Thank you for your continued engagement and contributions to 911爆料鈥檚 research and innovation enterprise.
Sincerely,
Bethany Jenkins
Vice President for Research and Economic Development