Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week at the University of Rhode Island

KINGSTON, R.I. – April 15, 2025 – The University of Rhode Island (URI) is set to showcase the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial talent of its students during the upcoming Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week, taking place from April 21 to April 24. This exciting event will feature a series of activities designed to inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and provide students with the opportunity to turn their ideas into viable commercial products and services.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair

On Tuesday, April 22, the URI community is invited to the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair, held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Memorial Union, Atriums 1 and 2. This fair will serve as a vibrant marketplace for URI students who have developed business concepts or products. Attendees will have the chance to engage with student entrepreneurs, learn about their ventures, and provide valuable feedback.

The fair aims to create a supportive environment where students can increase exposure for their ideas, connect with peers, faculty, and potential investors, and build a network of like-minded individuals. To enhance the experience, attendees can enjoy refreshments and participate in raffles throughout the day.

Pitch Night Events

The excitement continues on Wednesday, April 23, with two Pitch Night events taking place in the Galanti Lounge of the Robert L. Carothers Library and Learning Commons. The first event, the Ideation Studio Pitch Night, will run from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge Pitch Night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Both events are open to the public and promise to be a showcase of creativity and innovation.

These pitch nights are part of the Resilient, Innovative, Sustainable Economies via University Partnerships (RISE-UP) initiative, funded by the U.S. Office of Naval Research. Peter Rumsey, chief business development officer for the URI Research Foundation, emphasized the importance of these events: “These pitch nights highlight the incredible creativity and problem-solving mindset of URI students and researchers. By showcasing their work, we not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire others to think boldly, innovate, and take action on real-world challenges.”

Ideation Studio and Innovation Challenge

The Ideation Studio is a semester-long program where participants work in teams to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Utilizing a lean startup methodology, students can minimize product development cycles and quickly assess the viability of their business models. At the end of the semester, teams present their projects to a panel of judges during Pitch Night, with cash prizes awarded to the top three teams: $1,500 for first place, $750 for second, and $500 for third.

The Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge, which began in September, aligns with URI’s Fall 2024 Honors colloquium theme, “Democracy in Peril.” Students formed interdisciplinary teams to identify pressing problems and ideate solutions. Finalists received funding to refine their ideas and participated in workshops that provided entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and access to resources. The winning team from this challenge will also receive a cash prize to help launch their idea.

RI-Pitch Competition

The week culminates on Thursday, April 24, with the RI-Pitch event from 5 to 8 p.m. in the auditorium of Swan Hall. This fast-paced competition will feature twelve Rhode Island entrepreneurs showcasing their ideas. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000, making it an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs at all levels. While the event is free, registration is recommended to ensure a spot.

Conclusion

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week at URI promises to be an inspiring and engaging experience for students, faculty, and the broader community. By providing a platform for students to present their ideas, connect with industry professionals, and receive feedback, URI is fostering a culture of innovation that prepares the next generation of entrepreneurs to tackle real-world challenges. Whether you’re a student, an entrepreneur, or simply curious about the entrepreneurial landscape, this week-long event is not to be missed.