NEMIC Awarded Grant from Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training to Power 2026 NEMIC Accelerator Program

We’re excited to announce that the New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC) has been awarded grant funding from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) to support the delivery of our NEMIC Accelerator Program. This investment reflects the state’s continued commitment to strengthening Rhode Island’s innovation economy while building a highly skilled workforce in medical technology and life sciences.

The Rhode Island DLT administers a wide array of state and federally funded programs designed to grow the workforce, help businesses thrive, and support Rhode Island residents with employment, training, and economic opportunity. DLT’s mission is to connect workers and employers while strengthening the state’s labor market through strategic investments in skills development and workforce readiness.

DLT funding—especially through competitive workforce development grants like Real Jobs RI and related state initiatives—helps organizations scale training programs, respond to employer needs, and develop a more skilled workforce. This most recent grant award to operate the 2026 NEMIC Accelerator Program fits into this larger ecosystem of investments that boost innovation, strengthen industry-aligned skills development, and drive economic growth across Rhode Island, and throughout our region. By leveraging this DLT support resource, NEMIC can extend our impact, support more startups, and help bridge talent gaps in the Life Science and HealthTech sectors, which are essential contributors to the state’s economic future.

About the Program:

The NEMIC Accelerator Program is a structured, high-impact initiative designed to help early-stage medical technology and healthcare companies move from promising ideas to market-ready solutions. Built around the real needs of founders, the program provides hands-on support across product development, regulatory strategy, clinical validation, reimbursement, and commercialization. Companies are selected for both the strength of their innovation and their potential to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.

Participants gain direct access to NEMIC’s deep bench of industry experts, clinicians, investors, and strategic partners who bring real-world perspective to every stage of growth. Through tailored mentorship, workshops, and milestone-driven programming, startups receive practical guidance that helps them de-risk development, sharpen business models, and accelerate decision-making. The Accelerator also emphasizes founder readiness—equipping teams with the leadership and operational skills needed to scale successfully.

Rooted in Rhode Island’s growing life sciences ecosystem, the NEMIC Accelerator Program plays a critical role in strengthening the regional workforce and innovation economy. By supporting company formation, talent development, and job creation, the program helps translate breakthrough technologies into viable businesses while keeping innovation local. The result is a pipeline of high-potential companies positioned to attract investment, partner with health systems, and deliver meaningful impact to patients and communities.. The grant will enable NEMIC to expand access to our Accelerator Program, which helps early-stage HealthTech and Med Device startups advance from concept to commercialization. Through structured programming, expert mentorship, and direct industry engagement, participating companies will gain the tools needed to validate technologies, navigate regulatory pathways, and prepare for market entry—while creating high-quality jobs in Rhode Island.

Bottom Line

This funding reinforces NEMIC’s mission to serve as a catalyst for innovation, talent development, and economic growth across the region. We are grateful to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for their partnership and support, and we look forward to accelerating the next generation of healthcare solutions that will improve patient outcomes and strengthen the state’s innovation ecosystem.

Stay tuned for updates on Accelerator Program milestones, participating companies, and upcoming opportunities to engage with NEMIC!