The RI Life Science Hub Announces Foundational Members of Ocean State Labs, the State's First Life Science Incubator
Ocean State Labs, managed by Portal Innovations, to officially open first quarter 2026
Incubator will support Rhode Island's rapidly growing life sciences ecosystem
PROVIDENCE, R.I., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rhode Island Life Science Hub (RILSH), a state-supported organization, together with Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, today announced the inaugural members of Ocean State Labs, the state's first life science incubator designed to support and accelerate the growth of innovative companies in the life sciences sector. The incubator will serve as a hub for entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors, providing the infrastructure and community needed to turn breakthrough ideas into transformative solutions. Ocean State Labs will be managed by Portal Innovations, a venture development firm that specializes in incubating early-stage companies.
The foundational members of Portal Innovations at Ocean State Labs include:
- MindImmune Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease.
- OncoLux Inc., a MedTech company developing advanced optical imaging and AI technology to improve surgical procedures in the field of oncology.
- P53 Therapeutics, pursuing a new class of small molecule therapeutics designed to overcome p53 tumor suppressor mutations in cancer.
- Pax Therapeutics, advancing gene-delivery technologies to optimize healing of tendon and ligament injuries.
- XM Therapeutics, developing tissue repair and regeneration platforms for chronic disorders.
Together, these companies represent the breadth of Rhode Island's growing life science sector, from gene therapy and tissue regeneration to cancer therapeutics and surgical innovation.
"Our mission is to make Rhode Island a destination for life science innovation. Welcoming these companies as the first members of Ocean State Labs marks an important milestone for building and sustaining Rhode Island's life sciences ecosystem," said Dr. Mark A. Turco, President & CEO of RILSH. "By pairing local innovation with Portal's proven model for nurturing early-stage science, we are creating an environment where founders can build successful companies, bringing novel therapies and technologies to the market with the hopes of improving health and well-being across the globe."
Portal Innovations at Ocean State Labs will provide critical infrastructure to support early-stage life science companies in Rhode Island as they grow and advance their technologies. The lab, located in Providence's Innovation District, reinforces Rhode Island's commitment to investing in the life sciences as a driver of economic growth and high-quality jobs. The lab is currently being developed by L&G – Asset Management, America, RILSH, and the 195 District, in partnership with Brown University, and will provide more than 30,000 square feet of office and lab space and host up to 30 startup companies.
"Rhode Island is a prime environment for the life science sector, creating higher education pathways to support these highly skilled, well-paying jobs," said Governor McKee. "From gene therapy and tissue regeneration to cancer therapeutics and surgical enhancements, the companies announced today are just the latest indicators that the Life Science Hub is attracting innovative businesses and top talent to Rhode Island."
"Portal is proud to partner with Rhode Island to create Ocean State Labs and help catalyze the development of a life sciences ecosystem where ideas flourish and companies grow," said John Flavin, Founder and CEO of Portal Innovations. "Rhode Island offers a combination of academic strength, buildable space, transformative science, and a right-sized environment where startups can move faster. By combining venture capital, lab infrastructure, and wraparound support under one roof, we are giving founders the resources they need to succeed from day one."
Portal Innovations at Ocean State Labs is the centerpiece of a broader strategy to expand Rhode Island's life sciences capacity, with additional space planned in Providence's 195 District and across the state to accommodate future innovation and industry growth. Backed by an initial $45 million investment from the State of Rhode Island, RILSH is building and supporting a high-impact portfolio of life science startups advancing transformative science. By partnering with the state's academic institutions, health systems, and industry leaders, RILSH is working to ensure Rhode Island becomes a nationally recognized hub for life science innovation, where breakthrough ideas translate into jobs, economic growth, and new therapies for patients.
About the Rhode Island Life Science Hub
The Rhode Island Life Science Hub positions the state to deliver on a bold vision of transforming Rhode Island into a globally recognized life science innovation hub by coalescing existing stakeholders, activities, and investments while building new capabilities. Through an initial three-year, $45 million investment, the Hub will serve as the central and coordinating organization facilitating the development of medical advances and scientific breakthroughs by supporting companies that specialize in life sciences. For more information, please visit www.rilifescience.com.
About Portal Innovations
Portal Innovations is a premier venture development engine that bridges scientific ideation in life sciences, MedTech, and bioinformatics through commercial proof of concept by delivering crafted capital, including seed funding, specialized equipment, lab space, and management expertise to high-potential early-stage companies. For more information, please visit www.portalinnovations.com.
Rhode Island Life Science Hub
Sarah Sutton
(518) 932-3680
sarah@endurancepr.com
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SOURCE Rhode Island Life Science Hub