Governor McKee and Rhode Island Commerce to Launch New Grant Program for Innovators

Published on Friday, April 25, 2025

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — In recognition of World Intellectual Property Day on Saturday, Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Commerce are launching the Invention Incentive Program, a new grant program to help Rhode Island innovators and small businesses offset the cost of filing patents. 

Informed by feedback from small businesses, the Invention Incentive Program offers reimbursable grants of up to $5,000 for eligible expenses incurred when filing a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  

“When Rhode Islanders have a good idea, they should have a fair shot at protecting it,” said Governor Dan McKee. “By covering some of the upfront costs, this program gives Rhode Island inventors and small businesses the opportunity to take an important first step—protecting their ideas and setting the stage for what comes next.”

To be eligible, applicants must be Rhode Island residents or small businesses with 500 or fewer employees. Reimbursements are available for the following qualified expenses: 

• Services provided by a USPTO-registered patent practitioner licensed in RI 

• USPTO application fees for provisional or nonprovisional patent applications 

“Innovation drives economic growth, and our small businesses are at the heart of that momentum,” said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner. “This initiative is an investment for Rhode Island’s future—helping protect great ideas while empowering entrepreneurs to compete, grow, and lead.” 

The program is part of Rhode Island Commerce’s Innovation Initiatives Portfolio, which continues to invest in innovation and entrepreneurship as outlined in the state’s RI 2030 Plan. 

Applications open Friday, April 25, 2025, and will be accepted until 5 p.m. on May 26, 2025.

To learn more or apply, visit CommerceRI.com/invention-incentive-program. 

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