Blue Tech Dual Use Technologies & More

Fostering breakthroughs that shape the future of dual-use technologies and the blue economy

Polaris Tech Bridge, formerly 401 Tech Bridge, empowers tech companies and established small businesses to bridge the gap between discovery and market success. By connecting innovators with makerspaces, strategic partners, and pathways to government contracts, we equip national defense, dual-use, and ocean technology ventures with the resources they need to turn ideas into viable products. Our team works alongside entrepreneurs, including those from non-traditional industries, to accelerate commercialization and open doors to new opportunities in the blue economy.

Polaris Tech Bridge and Polaris MEP are two parts of Polaris. Polaris aims to be a driving force in Rhode Island’s economy through advancing manufacturing, workforce development, and technology.

Our Mission

Our mission is to be the intersection between businesses, government agencies and programs, and academic institutions, accelerating the development of new technologies in the blue economy (blue tech), and stimulating economic growth for the state of Rhode Island.

Our Partners

Powering Innovation with Collaborative Support from Leading Organizations

The 401 Tech Bridge is a business unit of The University of Rhode Island Research Foundation, and receives support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), the Office of Naval Research, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, The Rhode Island Foundation, and the Van Beuren Charitable Foundation.

The Team

Meet Our Exceptional Team

Matt Watson

Director

Matt Watson joined Polaris MEP as Center Director in early 2023. He comes from the New York MEP system, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President of Empire State Development (ESD) and Executive Director of ESD’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR). Watson is passionate about the success of smaller manufacturers, and about collaborating with partners and legislators to improve both businesses and the state economy. Watson’s twenty-year career includes senior/executive roles in both public and private sectors.

Linda Larsen

Operations Manager

Linda is a proven leader in creating and executing projects and programs. She’s passionate about innovation, workforce development, building strategic partnerships, and developing communities of practice. Linda earned a BS in Business Administration from Northeastern University, and a BS in Education from Rhode Island College. Linda also currently serves as the Chair of the RI Career and Technical Education Board of Trustees.

Erik Brine

Strategic Advisor

Erik Brine is the Director of 401 Tech Bridge at the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation where he is charged with building stronger relationships, greater collaboration, increased research, and innovative programs across the Rhode Island innovation ecosystem to leverage the interdisciplinary expertise needed to tackle national security challenges. He is also the Deputy Commander of the 514th Air Mobility Wing and a Councilman in Jamestown, RI.

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