DAVID BOGEN (seen above) is the associate provost for Academic Affairs at the Rhode Island School of Design, is fielding inquiries and final proposals for the "Partnership for Sustainable Development." IMAGE SOURCE RISD

By Kimberley Donoghue
PBN Web Editor

11/2/10

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Islanders with startups or product designs related to sustainable development or the “green economy” have the opportunity to develop their business idea under the guidance of the Rhode Island School of Design and the Rhode Island Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The two centers have joined forces as the “Partnership for Sustainable Development” and will combine their individual strengths (RISD’s art and design research expertise, and RI-CIE’s mentoring and business development experience) to support one selected startup.

From December 2010 through August 2010, RI-CIE will provide support in the form of business development, networking, incubator space and material support at its office at One Davol Square.

At the same time, RISD and RI-CIE will work with the selected partner to develop a design studio - to run in the spring of 2011 - that will explore design concepts, market conditions, branding and other elements of the proposed project as well as the larger issue of entrepreneurship and sustainable development on a state, national and global level, RI-CIE said in its Request For Proposals.

Interested applicants, either individuals or companies, should apply before Nov. 5 at 4:30 p.m. A narrative statement of no more than 1000 words is required; see the guidelines here.

RISD received $150,000 in funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration for the project.

For more information, see RI-CIE’s website.