UPDATE: Rhode Island Life Science Hub Inaugural Summit: Industry leaders on collaboration, growth

See UPDATES in Red, below:

The Rhode Island Life Science Hub, Rhode Island’s newly established quasi-public agency dedicated to building a center of excellence for biotechnology and life science, will host a summit in Providence on Tuesday, May 21, 8:30am to 1:00pm at the RI Convention Center.

The event will encourage collaboration among public and private sector industry leaders, including non-profits and higher education. The Summit will feature a keynote address from Robert Coughlin, Managing Director, JLL, and former CEO of MassBIO as well as Travis McCready, Head of Life Sciences, Americas Markets, JLL and former President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.

Interactive panel discussions will cover topics including –

Leaders in state government including Governor Dan McKee, Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Senate Finance Chair Lou DiPalma will speak, as well as RI Life Science Hub Board Chair Neil Steinberg.  

The event includes an invitation to media to cover the brief speaking program, keynote address and industry panel discussions.  

The Rhode Island Life Science Hub positions the state to deliver on a bold vision of transforming Rhode Island into a globally recognized life science innovation hub by coalescing existing stakeholders, activities, and investments, while building new capabilities. Through an initial three-year, $45 million investment, the Hub will serve as the focal point for developing medical advances and scientific breakthroughs by supporting companies that specialize in life sciences.  

From the Event:

The Event Draws Over 500 Attendees

Over 500 attendees attended the inaugural summit TODAY, including leaders from government, industry and academia, policymakers and innovators from around the region to support the growth of Rhode Island’s life sciences sector.

Throughout the morning, participants engaged in a series of interactive panel discussions covering critical topics including technology transfer, access to capital, life science infrastructure enhancement and growing the workforce and the impact of artificial intelligence. In addition to keynote addresses and panel discussions, the summit offered numerous networking opportunities, allowing attendees to make new connections and inspire future partnerships.

“Rhode Island’s economy is ready to become a larger player in the biotechnology and life science sectors,” said Governor Dan McKee. “We have the health care base, the human capital and the educational institutions to support and grow life science industry, from start-ups to major corporations. It’s our turn.”

“I am very excited about the potential of the life science industry, which has tremendous growth projected. With already thriving hubs and corridors nearby in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, Rhode Island can enhance what’s happening in nearby states and augment a regional life science cluster,”said Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi. “Our initiative will depend upon collaboration, and many of the stakeholders brought together by the Rhode Island Life Science Hub’s inaugural summit will be key partners. I’m thrilled to see so much interest and enthusiasm in our efforts.”

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis P. DiPalma said, “The life science industry has incredible potential for Rhode Island, and realizing that potential will take time, targeted investments, and strategic vision. As Chairman of the Committee on Finance, I have been proud to work with my Senate colleagues and our many partners to create the Rhode Island Life Science Hub as a critical first step. Today’s inaugural summit represents the culmination of all the efforts and investments made to date. The conversations and connections made at this gathering will help us keep building on the progress we’ve made and set the course for our future success.”

Neil Steinberg, Board Chairman of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, reflected on the event’s success, stating, “The overwhelming response to our inaugural summit is a clear indication of the commitment and potential of the life sciences sector in Rhode Island. It’s exciting to see such strong engagement and participation, reaffirming our vision of the life science hub as the center of innovation and collaboration.”

The goal of the Hub is to position the state to deliver on a bold vision of transforming Rhode Island into a globally recognized life science innovation ecosystem by supporting existing stakeholders, activities, and investments, while building new capabilities. Through an initial investment of $45 million, the Hub will support the development of medical advances and scientific breakthroughs by supporting companies who specialize in life sciences.

“Today’s summit has exceeded our expectations in every way,” continued Steinberg. “The enthusiasm and expertise we saw are a testament to the possibilities of the life sciences sector in Rhode Island. The ideas exchanged and connections made at today’s event will drive the life sciences forward here to advance better patient care and population health.”