Blue Solutions Institute at Roger Williams University
Advancing Marine Biotechnology Research, Entrepreneurship, and Blue Economy Innovation
The Blue Solutions Institute (BSI) at Roger Williams University is a research and innovation hub focused on marine biotechnology and the Blue Economy. BSI connects researchers, students, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to turn ocean science discoveries into real products and solutions for New England.
What Is the Blue Solutions Institute?
BSI is a center for marine biotechnology research, aquaculture innovation, and workforce development based in Rhode Island. Our work sits at the intersection of ocean science, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
What We Do
Research & Innovation in Marine Biotechnology
BSI researchers work across disciplines to tackle pressing challenges in human and animal health, sustainable food production, and environmental resilience. Rhode Island has deep roots in marine science and aquaculture, and BSI builds on that foundation to create solutions with real-world impact.
Blue Economy Workforce Development
BSI prepares the next generation of marine biotech professionals. Students gain hands-on research experience, entrepreneurship training, and industry connections that set them up for careers in marine biotechnology, life sciences, and the Blue Economy.
Commercialization & Investment in Marine Innovation
BSI helps move ideas from the lab to the market. Through startup support, industry partnerships, and investment opportunities, BSI turns research into products, businesses, and jobs that strengthen Rhode Island's economy.
BSI Programs
Blue Fellows
Students work side-by-side with faculty principal investigators on real marine biotechnology research questions, producing discoveries that drive everything BSI does downstream.
Blue Entrepreneurship Coursework
Teams of Marine Biology, Aquarium Science, and Business students take research projects further by developing them into products and business plans with guidance from faculty principal investigator mentors.
Blue Incubator
The strongest ventures move into BSI's incubator, where teams gain access to capital, industry partners, and infrastructure needed to build real, scalable products and companies.
Get Involved with BSI
Contact:
Koty Sharp, Ph.D.
ksharp@rwu.edu
Director, Center for Economic & Environmental Development