Rhode Island opens life science incubator to support startups

Rhode Island Life Science Hub (RILSH) has announced the inaugural members of Ocean State Labs, the state’s first dedicated life science incubator. Managed by Portal Innovations, the facility aims to accelerate early-stage companies across therapeutics, tissue regeneration, gene therapy, and surgical innovation.

Founding members include MindImmune Therapeutics, OncoLux Inc., P53 Therapeutics, Pax Therapeutics, and XM Therapeutics, reflecting the diversity of Rhode Island’s growing life sciences sector. The incubator will provide more than 30,000 square feet of office and lab space in Providence’s Innovation District, supporting up to 30 startup companies.

The initiative is backed by an initial $45 million state investment and leverages academic and industry partnerships, including Brown University and the 195 District, to provide founders with venture capital, lab infrastructure, and strategic guidance. By combining local innovation with Portal Innovations’ experience in early-stage company development, Ocean State Labs is designed to transform breakthrough ideas into market-ready solutions.

Dr. Mark Turco, President & CEO of RILSH, emphasised the incubator’s role in creating high-quality jobs and attracting top-tier talent, while Governor Dan McKee highlighted Rhode Island’s growing reputation as a life science hub. John Flavin, Portal Innovations CEO, noted the incubator offers a right-sized environment where startups can scale efficiently and advance transformative science.

Ocean State Labs forms part of Rhode Island’s broader strategy to strengthen its life sciences ecosystem, providing critical infrastructure and a supportive community to accelerate innovation, economic growth, and the development of therapies that improve patient outcomes globally.

Discover what this move means for the future of biotech growth and investment in Rhode Island.