What They Are Saying About the New Foundational Members of the Ocean State Labs Life Science Incubator

Published on Wednesday, September 24, 2025

To view today's press release, click here.

Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi

“The life sciences sector is a growing engine for our economy, creating good-paying jobs and attracting investments in our state. Rhode Island has a unique ability to connect and collaborate, and today’s announcement is a result of our efforts working together. That spirit of collaboration is why the life sciences industry will continue to grow and thrive in Rhode Island, helping to shape the future of medicine and health care. Together, we are building a healthier and stronger future for our state.”

Senate President Valarie Lawson

“Ocean State Labs has incredible potential, and it represents what is possible when we bring all stakeholders together behind a shared vision for Rhode Island. On behalf of my Senate colleagues, I want to express my appreciation to everyone whose hard work made today’s announcement possible, and I want to welcome the new tenants of this state-of-the-art facility.”

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley

“We are proud to welcome Ocean State Labs to Providence as Rhode Island’s first life science incubator, a milestone that strengthens our city’s leadership in innovation. With the support of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub and our proximity to world-class institutions like Brown University, Providence has a powerful advantage in driving growth in this sector. Together with our partners, we are building pipelines from education to employment so that the next generation of discoveries happens right here in our capital city.”

RILSH Board Chair, Neil Steinberg

“From the inception of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, we identified the lack of incubator lab space as a major impediment to growing the sector. So with the support of many, we made it a priority to establish Ocean State Labs. It is so exciting to see this all come to fruition!”

195 District Chair Marc Crisafulli

“The incubator provides a key piece of infrastructure necessary for a thriving life science ecosystem – previously, new companies that needed lab space would often leave the state since there was no place for early-stage companies to stay here and grow. Ocean State Labs will help keep those companies in RI so they can grow and scale here in the center of our state’s life science ecosystem.”

Executive Director of the 195 District Caroline Skuncik

“Supporting a life sciences incubator in Rhode Island has long been a goal of the 195 Commission, and we are proud to see this vision come to life. Ocean State Labs is directly tied to the mission of the 195 District, providing space for our innovators to grow and scale, and will contribute to our growing innovation district.”

Interim Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor 

“150 Richmond Street is already delivering on our collective aspirations. The Ocean State Labs incubator, located within the complex, is preparing to host and support five early-stage life science companies. Given this progress, Rhode Island definitely continues to emerge as a center of excellence in the life sciences.”

Brown University President Christina H. Paxson 

“Welcoming the first Ocean State Labs tenants marks an important step forward in establishing Rhode Island as a vibrant hub for health, medicine, technology, and innovation. As researchers at Brown and beyond our campus make discoveries that could have important implications for human health, we’re proud to support the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, this new incubator space, and the collaborative effort underway to turn scientific breakthroughs into solutions that benefit both patients and the economy.”

University of Rhode Island President Marc Parlange

“The University of Rhode Island is proud to help drive Rhode Island’s growing life sciences ecosystem. Ocean State Labs is exactly the kind of place where breakthrough science and entrepreneurial energy come together, which will help keep top talent here in Rhode Island. URI’s strength in the life sciences—and the critical role academic institutions play in building talent pipelines and fueling economic development—makes this an especially exciting moment to invest in the spaces, people, and partnerships that will shape the future of health and innovation in the state for years to come.”