Innovation Network Matching Grant

Innovation Network Matching Grant

Funds Rhode Island nonprofits and shared spaces that help small businesses in life sciences, defense, and critical technology.

Eligibility · United States · US-RI

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

The Innovation Network Matching Grant — also referred to as the IGNITE Innovation Network — is administered by Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to strengthen the state's innovation ecosystem by funding intermediary organizations that deliver support services to small businesses. Eligible applicants are nonprofits, universities, and co-working space operators, not the small businesses themselves; the program is designed to build the capacity of organizations that provide technical assistance, flexible workspace, and access-to-capital services to Rhode Island companies operating in targeted sectors.

The minimum funding request is $50,000, and applicants must provide at least a 50 percent match in cash or in-kind contributions. Typical awards range from $75,000 to $125,000, though no stated maximum cap applies. Downstream small business beneficiaries must have 500 or fewer employees and operate in one of the targeted sectors: life sciences, ocean economy, defense, food and agriculture, critical technologies (cybersecurity, AI, quantum computing), or businesses transitioning to employee ownership. The FY2026 cycle accepted applications from January 13 through February 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST.

The FY2027 cycle is expected to open in January 2027. Interested intermediary organizations should join RI Commerce's Innovation Initiatives mailing list for cycle-opening notifications. A strong application demonstrates measurable impact on the targeted small business population, a credible match commitment, and a clear plan for sustaining services beyond the grant period. Contact: innovation@commerceri.com or (401) 278-9100.