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Nabsys, a Providence-based life sciences company pioneering electronic genome mapping technology, is expanding its Rhode Island presence with a new 30,000-square-foot headquarters at 225 Dyer Street in the 195 District.

Innovation in the 195 District isn’t limited to science and technology. It also means finding new ways to use land, build partnerships and create development opportunities that strengthen Providence. Parcel 41 is a great example of innovation through partnership.

The 195 District recently celebrated the opening of Ocean State Labs powered by Portal Innovations, a milestone that reinforces Rhode Island's growing leadership in the life sciences sector. As the state's first life sciences incubator, Ocean State Labs provides more than 30,000 square feet of available laboratory and office space, giving early-stage companies the infrastructure and support they need to innovate and grow. Located at 150 Richmond Street in the heart of the 195 District, the incubator advances the District's vision of creating a vibrant neighborhood where entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and industry partners collaborate to bring new discoveries to market.

On April 21st the 195 District celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new 195 District Park pavilion, a vibrant new gathering space at the heart of the park. Joined by state and local leaders, the event highlighted a shared commitment to investing in places that bring people together and support small businesses in the growing innovation district.

We’re proud to release the 195 District 2025 Impact Report: Building a Place for Innovation and Growth.  The report highlights the measurable economic, social, and innovation-driven progress taking place across the District—from job creation and private investment to research, housing, and public space activation.  As Providence continues to grow as a hub for innovation and key sectors like life science, the 195 District is a catalyst for economic development and opportunity.

On October 17, the 195 District was joined by federal, state, and local officials to celebrate the opening of 150 Richmond, the newest life sciences building in the District. 150 Richmond is now home to the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories and includes private lab space and is the future home of Ocean State Labs, Rhode Island’s first life science incubator.  

The 195 District has launched an innovative new loan program designed to help activate vacant ground-floor commercial spaces. The program is targeted at first-generation spaces, because they typically require a higher level of investment than spaces that have previously been used by retail or restaurant tenants. By offering below-market interest rates and flexible terms, the program aims to lower the barriers to entry for the first tenants occupying a commercial space.  

A joint ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 8 to celebrate key milestones for both phases of Pennrose’s development on Parcel 9 in the 195 District. 

Recently Brown University, Wexford Science & Technology, and the 195 District celebrated the new research laboratories at Point225 with a panel discussion, research talks, and laboratory tours, highlighting the cutting- edge research being conducted by Brown faculty and students.

The 195 District celebrated the groundbreaking for the 195 District Park Pavilion to mark the start of construction on the facility that will feature year-round dining, public bathrooms, and support space for park operations. The Pavilion will open in 2025. Learn more about the project here and read the full press release here.

RIHub is a small business accelerator helping to grow Rhode Island's innovation economy by giving entrepreneurs and startups the resources they need to launch and succeed. Located at CIC Providence in the 195 District, RIHub serves as a central gathering place where founders connect with investors, researchers, and industry leaders to turn innovative ideas into scalable businesses.

PathMaker Neurosystems is a clinical-stage neurotechnology company advancing a breakthrough treatment for ALS and other serious neurological disorders by suppressing motor neuron hyperexcitability. The company's vision is to "make ALS a livable disease" by restoring damaged neural pathways through its proprietary technology.

The 195 District has taken a proactive approach to improving the resiliency of developments in the District. As part of the 2023 update to the District’s Development Plan new standards were introduced to protect future development from climate-related flood risks. Developed in partnership with consultants and climate researchers from URI, the standards are based on detailed analysis of tidal, riverine, and storm surge flood risk for the parcels in the District.

This growth is part of Rhode Island’s broader initiative to position the “blue economy” as a key economic driver. By fostering a robust offshore wind industry, the state is not only attracting international companies but also reinforcing its commitment to sustainable economic development. The success of the offshore wind cluster at CIC Providence reflects the state’s strategic focus on leveraging its maritime resources to fuel economic growth. [Wind Turbine Photo; Revolution Wind/Ørsted]

This innovative restaurant is focused on a “pier to table” concept, emphasizing sustainable fishing practices by serving underutilized fish and supporting small, local fishermen. Today Dune Brothers is thriving and expanding into new locations and ventures, including a fish market in Fox Point, an East Providence location, and the new Track 15 food hall. Their success has not gone unnoticed—they were recently named 2024 James Beard Award semifinalists and have garnered significant media attention, including a feature in the Boston Globe.

The District’s journey with this ice cream business began when we discovered them selling their ice cream from a sidewalk cart near 195 District Park. Tizzy K’s is renowned for their unique cereal ice cream, where they infuse popular cereals into their ice cream base, steeping them before straining and churning the mixture into a delicious treat. They responded to an RFP issued by the 195 District in 2021, the 195 District recognized their potential and selected them to move forward with a semi-permanent installation within the park. Their container storefront launched later that year with assistance from the District who provided support every step of the way, including funding electrical upgrades to ensure they had everything they needed to succeed.

Another highlight is Buena Gráfica, a local minority-owned design firm that manages the District and District Park’s branding. The multilingual team aims to develop inclusive strategies that strengthen the community through effective communication design. Their work not only enhances the visual identity of the park but also contributes to the success of the artists and entrepreneurs who showcase their talents here. The 195 District partnered with both Lumuku and Buena Gráfica on the largest public art installation to date in the park – the 1,295-foot custom fence scrim around the park pavilion construction site.