The Ideation and Innovation Studio will empower students to pursue creative ingenuity
KINGSTON, R.I. – Sept. 22, 2025 — In line with the University of Rhode Island College of Engineering’s vision to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, the College proudly announced the opening of the Ideation and Innovation Studio, I²(studio), in the Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering’s Toray Commons. The studio opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 18.
The I²(studio) represents a major step forward for the College of Engineering, strengthening its role as a hub of creativity, hands-on learning, and innovation. Open to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff, the studio directly supports the college’s mission to prepare engineers who solve real-world challenges through bold ideas and collaborative design.
The project was made possible through a $270,000 award from 401 Tech Bridge’s RISE-UP program, funded by the Office of Naval Research, to support associate professor Paolo Stegagno and his team in developing the studio. RISE-UP works to bridge the gap between industry and academia. One of its overarching goals is to create a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship focused on dual-use (commercial and defense) challenges—goals that align closely with the College of Engineering’s priorities.
“To help achieve that, our team knew we needed to co-create curated innovation spaces within our colleges, and also across URI to encourage cross-disciplinary entrepreneurship,” said Pete Rumsey, chief business development officer, URI Research Foundation and URI Ventures. “The objective of this idea is to accelerate innovation and increase the development of intellectual property and business start-ups.”
The College of Engineering worked in close partnership with the RISE-UP team to identify the ideal location and equipment to make the studio a reality. By expanding its existing 3D printing lab and relocating some computer classrooms, the college created a welcoming, technology-rich space at the very heart of its flagship building.
The I²(studio) features multiple 3D printers including large-format options, a laser cutter, a printed circuit board machine, soldering stations, hand tools, and eight high-performance computers with SolidWorks and other design software.
“Open to all engineering students, the studio supports everyone—from first-year students just getting started to graduate students developing advanced research or entrepreneurial projects. Whether they have a big idea or just want to see what’s possible, they will find tools, space, and friendly guidance to help turn curiosity into innovation,” said Rumsey.
The studio includes two distinct, but connected, environments: an ideation space and an innovation space. The ideation space offers a flexible, collaborative setting with whiteboards and digital tools to encourage free thinking, brainstorming, and concept development. The innovation space offers high-tech equipment enabling rapid prototyping and iteration, helping students move from concept to tangible solutions.
To maximize student access, the college is developing training materials and instructional videos to guide users in operating each piece of equipment. A special emphasis is being placed on integrating the studio into the undergraduate experience, beginning with first-year students.
“Integrating this studio into the first-year experience means our students don’t have to wait to start doing engineering. They can design, prototype, and test their ideas in real time, alongside their coursework,” said Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs Mayrai Gindy, a co-primary investigator on the project. “This hands-on access helps them build skills, connect with their peers, and understand that innovation is at the heart of what it means to be an engineer.”
A key part of the studio’s programming is SPARK!, a workshop series led by entrepreneurs Rumsey and Joe Loberti of Revolution Cycle Works. Open to all students, faculty, and staff, the series helps participants take their ideas further. “Students can attend one session or all five, but they will gain skills they can then apply in class, competitions, or even launching a business,” said Rumsey. Registration is not required to attend.
“It was an honor for me to be part of this project,” said Stegagno, lead PI on the project. “I hope that URI students leverage the opportunities that the studio presents to them. It is meant as a place where they can learn, play and tinker with technology outside of the classroom. Where they can develop and bring to life their own projects, and potentially where they can learn how to use their projects to make a real and lasting impact on their lives and the people around them.”