Biomedical Innovation is one of the fastest growing sectors in Rhode Island, with a strong community of basic science and clinical researchers and industry experts who are advancing scientific knowledge of biological processes and systems in ways that are reshaping the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.  Rhode Island’s ecosystem provides unique connectivity and nimbleness that allows for the quick establishment of partnerships and advancement of product development, while still being less than an hour from Boston, one of the world’s top biotech hubs.

Key Facts

• The state is home to established healthcare companies such as CVS Health, Amgen, Becton Dickinson, Johnson and Johnson, and Virgin Pulse, as well as an array of start-up and mid-staged companies involved in medical device and digital health development and design, pharmaceuticals, and biotech. The biomedical innovation ecosystem continues to innovate and thrive.

• Rhode Island has strong indigenous assets in areas such as next generation biopharma manufacturing, drug delivery, genetic engineering, immunotherapy, medical device design and development, and digital health.

• Neuroscience is a particular point of distinction in the state given the caliber of research being done across Brown University, University of Rhode Island, Lifespan and Care New England Health Systems, and the Providence VA Medical Center.

• Rhode Island has a vibrant design community, largely centered around the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), with expertise in design of medical devices, smart textiles and wearables.

• Rhode Island has a strong pool of life science talent with approximately 3x the national average of biomedical engineers and biological technicians, and over 5x the national average of biochemists and biophysicists. The biotechnology program at the University of Rhode Island is ranked #4 by College Choice.