Information Technology News
38 Studios is About Jobs and Industry Growth
August 12, 2010 - 22:15
By Keith Stokes, RIEDC Executive Director
On July 26, the RI Economic Development Corporation board approved a $75-million loan guarantee to help Massachusetts-based 38 Studios relocate and expand its interactive entertainment business in Rhode Island. The state's backing will help the company obtain private financing to bring 450 high-wage, highly skilled jobs and millions of dollars in income tax revenue to the Ocean State.
RIEDC Board Authorizes First Use of New Jobs Creation Program
July 27, 2010 - 09:22
In the first use of a new $125-million program to create jobs in the Ocean State, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) Board of Directors today approved a Final Authorizing Resolution to provide video game developer 38 Studios a loan guarantee to help the company expand its business and relocate to Rhode Island.
Governor Carcieri and RIEDC Executive Director to Tour R.I's Emerging Information, Manufacturing and Green Energy Companies
March 3, 2010 - 14:32
Governor Donald L. Carcieri and the RIEDC today announced several planned tours of Rhode Island-based small businesses operating in the state’s emerging growth sectors: information technology, advanced manufacturing and green energy.
Senate Confirms RIEDC Executive Director Keith Stokes, New RIEDC Board Members
February 12, 2010 - 14:04
The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation announced that Keith W. Stokes was unanimously confirmed as the agency’s executive director by the Senate. The Senate also confirmed Carcieri’s 12 nominees to RIEDC’s Board of Directors.
State of Rhode Island Receives $1.5 Million Stimulus Grant for Broadband Mapping and Data Collection
December 23, 2009 - 15:47
Governor Donald L. Carcieri and RIEDC today announced the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has awarded RIEDC $1.5 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities.
Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation Releases 2009 Economic Growth Plan Review and Report
October 6, 2009 - 14:46
The RIEDC has completed a comprehensive review of its activities since the initial release of its 2009 Economic Growth Plan. Central to this review are details surrounding the ongoing efforts of the plan and new initiatives to get Rhode Island Working Again.
RIEDC Celebrates REF Grant Recipients
September 3, 2009 - 23:15
The Renewable Energy Fund recently awarded 17 grants to Rhode Island communities, organizations and businesses that will fund renewable energy development projects or feasibility studies. To highlight the diverse array of renewable energy projects, the RIEDC has been hosting local events where community members, business owners, government affiliates and media have been in attendance.
Governor, RIDOT, RIEDC, and City of Providence Release I-195 Surplus Land Report
September 2, 2009 - 12:12
The Office of Governor Donald L. Carcieri, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), and the City of Providence have released the “Rhode Island Interstate 195 Relocation Surplus Land: Redevelopment and Marketing Analysis.”
Renewable Energy Fund Awards Grants to 17 Local Alternative Energy Projects
June 23, 2009 - 09:00
RIEDC's Renewable Energy Fund (REF) has awarded a total of $681,875 in grants to 17 local projects that will stimulate job growth in the green technology and green energy sectors of Rhode Island’s economy.
Rhode Island Innovation Network Holds Kick-Off Event
June 18, 2009 - 13:54
A half-day workshop was the kickoff event for the Rhode Island Innovation Network and Business Development Program.
Rhode Island Dubbed "Biotech Hub" in BioWorld Report
June 10, 2009 - 10:32
BioWorld's Summer 2009 Expansion and Relocation report has named Rhode Island one of the top six biotech hotspots in North America.
Live demonstration of defense and homeland security technologies scheduled for June 11 at Naval Station Newport
June 10, 2009 - 10:04
The Undersea Perimeter Security Integrated Defense Environment (UPSIDE) project aims to provide a harbor and port security system for ships at dockside as well as pier side critical energy infrastructure
RI-CIE Launches in Providence as Resource for Entrepreneurs
April 28, 2009 - 09:59
The Rhode Island Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will formally open its headquarters at One Davol Square on Tuesday, April 28, 2009. RI-CIE is a cooperative effort among Providence, the state, Brown University, and business and economic development officials.
RI Nexus Continues its College Tour at Salve Regina University
April 16, 2009 - 15:22
Through RI Nexus and its College Tour, the RIEDC aims to forge a deeper connection with Rhode Island’s students — focusing on retaining college students in the state.
RIEDC is now on Twitter
April 15, 2009 - 10:47
Stay on top of the latest economic development news and events. Follow RIEDC on Twitter:
RIEDC Awarded $1.4 million to Expand Narragansett Bay Port Security Network
April 10, 2009 - 09:03
The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation has received a $1,402,549 Port Security Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to support expansion of the state’s Port Security Communications Network in and around Narragansett Bay.
STAC Launches Comprehensive Searchable Database for Federal Funding Opportunities
April 6, 2009 - 13:23
The Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council has expanded its website to assist science and technology researchers and enterprises in pursuing stimulus funding opportunities.
BusinessWeek Cites Providence as a “Best Small City” for Startups
April 1, 2009 - 12:49
Business Week magazine has selected Providence as one of the best small cities in the country for startup companies. The magazine credited the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation’s small business support and funding that helps the state’s small businesses expand and grow.
Two RIEDC-backed initiatives awarded grants to boost state’s knowledge economy
April 1, 2009 - 12:31
The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation today announced that two of its programs have received Knowledge Economy Grants Awards from the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and the City of Providence.
RIEDC Announces New Public/Private Partnership to Foster Entrepreneurial Activity in Ocean State
March 24, 2009 - 13:50
RIEDC and Brown University announced plans for a new center designed to train and develop Rhode Island's entrepreneurs who will help to strengthen the state's economy and create more high-wage jobs.
RIEDC 2009 Economic Growth Plan: Rhode Island, Working Again
March 24, 2009 - 10:28
RIEDC’s 2009 Economic Growth Plan proposes 10 concrete action items to accelerate the pace of job growth in our state.
Customized Training Funding Available From Workforce Partnership of Greater R.I. and Workforce Solutions
March 16, 2009 - 15:10
Rhode Island's two local workforce investment boards, the Workforce Partnership of Greater Rhode Island and Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston, are releasing up to $500,000 to Rhode Island businesses in order to finance customized training programs for new hires.
InQuest Technologies Celebrates the Relocation of its International Headquarters from Massachusetts to Rhode Island
February 11, 2009 - 04:00
InQuest Technologies, Inc., held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the grand opening of their new corporate headquarters in Providence, RI.
STAC Releases 2009 Report and Recommendations, Urges Support for RI Research Alliance and Entrepreneurship Center
January 28, 2009 - 11:17
STAC presented Governor Donald L. Carcieri and the Rhode Island General Assembly with a set of recommendations calling for timely, targeted and transformative investments to support discovery and innovation and its transfer into the marketplace.
STAC Awards 23 Scientists, 10 Institutions Funding for Collaborative Projects
January 28, 2009 - 10:33
The Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC) today announced the awardees of the 2009 Collaborative Research Award program. The awards will support seven projects, representing 23 scientists from 10 organizations throughout Rhode Island.
Report Names Rhode Island Top Performer in the 2008 State New Economy Index
November 18, 2008 - 11:42
Rhode Island was cited as a top performer in the 2008 State New Economy Index, a report published by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF). Released today, the 2008 Index ranked Rhode Island 11th in the nation in a state-by-state analysis of how state economies are transitioning to economic development strategies that focus on the creation and retention of high-wage jobs in growth industries. Rhode Island has moved up four places from its 2007 Index position, and has moved up from 29th when the Index was first issued in 1999.
Atrion Networking Corporation Expands Operations in Rhode Island
November 12, 2008 - 16:30
Atrion Networking Corporation has expanded its Rhode Island operations with the creation of its new Customer Interface Division. Utilizing Atrion’s cutting-edge business solution technologies, the CID allows businesses of all sizes a state-of-the-art approach to meeting current and future client demands.
RIEDC Partners with Alternative Lenders and Growth Capital Experts to Help Rhode Island Businesses Find New Sources of Capital
November 10, 2008 - 12:14
RIEDC will host two financing educational seminars this month targeting the state’s small business community: “Navigating the Credit Crunch: Alternative Lending Sources” on Wednesday, November 19 at noon and “Financing Fast Growth” on Tuesday, November 25 at 10 a.m.
Portsmouth Firm A2B Tracking Solutions Wins GSA Contract Award
October 22, 2008 - 13:44
Portsmouth-based A2B Tracking Solutions Inc. has been awarded a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) contract, in support of the U.S. Air Force, under the Department of Defense’s Unique Identification (UID) program.
State ISDI Grant Funds Information Technology Workforce Development
October 22, 2008 - 09:21
The Tech Collective announces today that is has been awarded an Industry Skills Development Initiative (ISDI) grant funded by the Governor’s Workforce Board of Rhode Island (GWBRI). The entirety of the grant will work to foster training and workforce development in the state’s Information Technology industry. Between 220 and 270 incumbent IT professionals and transitioning workers are projected to take advantage of various IT training and/or certification programs.
Collaborative Innovation Summit Draws Sold-Out Crowd to Providence
October 21, 2008 - 11:39
On October 15-16, 2008 at Trinity Rep in Providence, Rhode Island, the Business Innovation Factory's BIF-4 Collaborative Innovation Summit brought together many of today's most compelling innovators, business model renegades and true transformers to reveal the secrets of innovation success through personal storytelling.
RIEDC Announces Results of Pilot Teacher Externship in Industry Program
October 21, 2008 - 11:25
In an effort to encourage year-long teacher professional learning opportunities that connect student learning in STEM subjects to applications in Rhode Island’s innovation economy, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation announced initial results of the Teacher Externship in Industry pilot program.
URI Commission for Research and Innovation Recommends Major Moves to Strengthen URI, Make Research a Top Priority
October 7, 2008 - 08:54
Justice Robert G. Flanders, Jr., Chair of the University of Rhode Island Commission for Innovation and Research, today presented state leadership with a report and set of recommendations detailing steps URI must take to become a nationally competitive research institution. The report and recommendations were presented at the quarterly meeting of the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC), which championed the creation of the Commission.
Governor Carcieri, RIEDC, Rhode Island Commodores Partner to Bolster Economic Development Effort
September 30, 2008 - 13:32
RIEDC attraction campaign kicks off next phase with series of regional dinners for industry executives in target sectors; seven Massachusetts companies participate in first of a regional dinner series.
Rhode Island Research Alliance Grant Program to Invest Additional $1.4 Million in Collaborative Research
September 29, 2008 - 09:36
The Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council’s (STAC) Rhode Island Research Alliance program today announced that it will invest an additional $1.4 million in research that promotes collaboration across the state's academic and commercial institutions. The program will continue to support catalytic, collaborative research that 1) represents discoveries likely to deliver value to Rhode Island’s citizens 2) has strong technology development and/or commercialization potential and 3) is well-positioned to attract follow-on funding from federal agencies, corporations and/or foundations.
RI Nexus Kicks Off the ‘RI Nexus College Tour’ at JWU
September 24, 2008 - 08:47
RI Nexus to visit Rhode Island colleges to raise awareness among students about internships, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities within the state's burgeoning info-tech and digital sector.
Concordia Opens New Warwick Facility
September 12, 2008 - 09:50
State officials including Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri, Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) Executive Director, Saul Kaplan and Slater Technology Fund Managing Senior Managing Director Richard Horan were on hand September 10 to celebrate the opening of Concordia Medical’s new medical manufacturing facility in Warwick.
RIEDC, Providence Business News Honor 2008 Innovation Award Winners
September 11, 2008 - 14:55
The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) and the Providence Business News (PBN) honored the winners of this year’s 2008 Rhode Island Innovation Awards at a gala event on September 18 at the Kirkbrae Country Club. Launched in 2006, the Innovation Awards celebrate Rhode Island companies, organizations and individuals that have made innovation central to their work.
STAC Named 2008 Rhode Island Innovation Champion
September 11, 2008 - 09:25
The Providence Business News has named the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council the 2008 Rhode Island Innovation Champion, as part of the PBN/Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation Innovation Awards.
Location Inc.’s Neighborhood Search Engine Launches v2.0
August 25, 2008 - 10:38
NeighborhoodScout, a nationwide neighborhood search engine for homebuyers, movers and real estate professionals, launched its version 2.0 on August 13.
Local Company Achieves "Top 25" Status for iPhone Application
August 25, 2008 - 10:25
nFinity Inc., a Rhode Island software development company with offices in Smithfield, has developed a voice recorder application for the iPhone that is now ranked one of the "Top 25 Paid Apps" purchased by iPhone users.
Rhode Island Receives Top Marks for Internet Speed
August 25, 2008 - 10:07
In the recently published 2008, “A Report on Internet Speeds in All 50 States” by Speed Matters, Rhode Island ranked number one in the nation in download speed for the second year in a row.
RIEDC's Saul Kaplan Discusses R.I.'s Economy with WADK's Robert Bailey
August 13, 2008 - 11:14
Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Saul Kaplan talks with WADK's Robert Bailey about Rhode Island's "secret sauce:" its size, on the station's Marketing and Money segment.
RIEDC, Cox Communications, Raytheon, Rite-Solutions and Teknor Apex Launch Summer Teacher Training Initiative
August 12, 2008 - 10:57
In an effort to encourage yearlong teacher professional learning opportunities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) announced the creation of Leadership Initiatives for Teaching and Technology (LIFT2) - Rhode Island, a statewide pilot program that allows teachers to work for a summer at a company where they explore real world industry applications of STEM.
Time is Running Out to Apply for the 2008 Rhode Island Innovation Awards
August 6, 2008 - 13:48
The Innovation Awards, presented by the Providence Business News in partnership with the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation and Tech Collective, and sponsored by Cox Business, are designed to honor Rhode Island-based companies, organizations and individuals that constantly replace existing methods, models and products with better ones.
A short application form is due by August 20. Apply Now!Rhode Island Receives Top Marks in Two Economic Development Studies
August 1, 2008 - 12:40
Two reports, measuring business cost and economic development climate, gave Rhode Island and Providence high marks in categories such as research and development, education climate and environmental efforts.
RIEDC Financing Program to Create 90 New Jobs in Rhode Island
July 30, 2008 - 08:48
The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation’s Small Business Loan Fund (SBLF) has provided expansion capital loans totaling $1.75 million, enabling four Rhode Island businesses to create more than 90 new jobs.
InQuest Technologies Announces Corporate Relocation to Rhode Island
July 28, 2008 - 13:51
InQuest Technologies, the developer of IQ9, the leading platform for delivering web-based enterprise business applications, today announced that the company will relocate its headquarters from Southborough, Massachusetts to Providence, Rhode Island in September 2008. InQuest will relocate approximately 20 employees when doors at the new office open this fall with plans to hire aggressively and grow this location to 50 employees.
Saul Kaplan: Budget Discipline is Good for R.I. Economy
July 7, 2008 - 13:34
The budget passed by the Rhode Island General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Carcieri is good for the state’s economy. Our 2008 Economic Growth Plan made clear that the state has to get control over its spending without raising broad-based taxes. The fiscal 2009 budget does exactly that. Do not underestimate how important this is to improving our business climate and stimulating job creation.
A note from RIEDC Executive Director Saul Kaplan
June 27, 2008 - 11:50
Last week, the Milken Institute’s State Technology and Science Index confirmed that Rhode Island has made progress in its effort to become a regional and national hub for science, technology and innovation. Milken’s Index uses a variety of indicators to measure how well each state is performing in today’s global knowledge-based economy.
Strong Showing for Providence in 'Cybercities' Report
June 25, 2008 - 14:25
The American Electronics Association's 2008 Cybercities report ranked the Providence-Fall River-New Bedford area as one of the nation's top cities in several areas measuring the technology industry.
Rhode Island Breaks Into Top 10 of Science and Technology Report
June 20, 2008 - 10:10
Rhode Island has moved up to 10th place in the 2008 State Science and Technology Index, released by California-based Milken Institute. The report uses a host of indicators to paint a comprehensive picture of how well states are performing in today’s highly competitive knowledge-based economy.
RI Nexus Expands Activities, Announces New Collaboration with Providence Geeks
June 10, 2008 - 11:59
The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation has announced the next phase of activity for RI Nexus, the RIEDC program dedicated to information sharing and community building in the state's info-tech and digital media (ITDM) sector. Activities will include improvements to the RINexus.com online hub, an expanded line-up of events and activities and a deepened partnership with Providence Geeks, the group co-founded by RI Nexus program director Jack Templin.
APC to Keep Corporate Headquarters in Rhode Island
May 12, 2008 - 14:28
American Power Conversion, the global leader in integrated critical power and cooling, announced that the company will remain at its current location in South Kingstown on Fairgrounds Road. APC had been reviewing other location possibilities, but decided that the South Kingstown, Rhode Island facility best suited the company’s needs.
Statewide Research Alliance Bolstered by Support from Brown, URI
May 1, 2008 - 09:04
The Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC) today presented its plans for expanding the Rhode Island Research Alliance and announced that Brown University and the University of Rhode Island (URI) both will contribute $25,000 to support the next phase of Research Alliance activity.
Forensic Risk Alliance Leases Full Floor in Providence's iBuilding
April 22, 2008 - 08:54
Forensic Risk Alliance (FRA), a leading international provider of forensic investigation and litigation support services with offices in New York and London, has entered into a lease agreement to relocate their US Headquarters to the “iBuilding” at 170 Westminster Street in Downtown Providence during the summer of 2008.
Boston Globe: Rhode Island Makes Bid to Become Technology Hub
February 27, 2008 - 22:19
A front page story in the business pages of the Boston Globe recently proclaimed what Rhode Islanders have known for some time: we have everything it takes to compete as a technology hub. Citing RIEDC’s plan to grow jobs in high-wage innovation economy sectors, the RI Nexus program and new tools like the Innovation Tax credit as solid proof that the state is making progress, the article also profiles local tech entrepreneurs who have chosen to locate their businesses in Rhode Island.
RIEDC, Rhode Island Commodores Partner to Launch Attraction Campaign in High-wage Sector
February 26, 2008 - 15:51
The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) today announced the launch of Opportunity: Rhode Island, a regional attraction campaign aimed at identifying expansion and relocation opportunities initially focused in the Financial Services, Information Technology and Digital Media, and Health and Life Sciences sectors. The campaign, funded in part by the Rhode Island Commodores, will use direct marketing, industry events and peer outreach to generate new business development leads.
Boston’s Xconomy Commends R.I. Innovation Tax Credit
January 16, 2008 - 16:29
Boston/Cambridge-based “Xconomy” applauded the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council and the state for utilizing the Innovation Tax Credit, a targeted tax credit of up to $100,000, to stimulate investment in high-wage sectors.
Two EDC Initiatives Cited as PBN 2007 Stories of the Year
January 7, 2008 - 17:20
RI Nexus, the EDC's online hub for the state's info-tech and digital media community, and the agency's quick response to expedite the permitting process for Johnston’s FM Global - ensuring the company stayed in Rhode Island, were named two of the top 10 stories of the year by the Providence Business News.
Jack Templin - R.I. Should Nurture Info-Tech Gem
December 10, 2007 - 14:51
At a time in Rhode Island's history when it's easy to be cynical about the future of our economy, the state's info-tech and digital media sector is a hidden gem.
Next-Gen Working Space Discussion Draws More Than 100 Participants
December 6, 2007 - 18:43
A lively mix of entrepreneurs, artists, web designers and business owners made for interesting conversation at the December 6 RI Nexus event — From Coworking to Fab Labs: Creating Next-Gen Working Environments for RI's Info-Tech and Digital Media Community. More than 100 people met at the RIEDC's Providence offices to hear what a six-person panel had to say on the latest trends in next generation spaces for creative and high-wage sectors, such as the info-tech and digital media industry.
RI NEXUS to Connect State's Info-Tech and Digital Media Community
September 19, 2007 - 03:00
Rhode Island's Information Technology and Digital Media sector now has an online community to collaborate, connect and share ideas - RI Nexus.com. An online hub for Rhode Island's ITDM community, RI Nexus.com will be officially launched at the Providence Geeks' monthly dinner held on Wednesday, September 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the AS220 in downtown Providence.
Slater Fund Poised for Progress in Fiscal 2008
September 10, 2007 - 03:00
The Slater Technology Fund, a state-backed venture capital fund, is optimistic about prospects for 2008 after significant success in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007. Highlights of the previous fiscal year included a record amount of capital recovery, a near-record level of funding commitments, and renewal of annual funding from the State of Rhode Island to support the Fund's investment activities in fiscal 2008.