Narragansett Man Recognized For Proposal to Create Ocean Technology Manufacturing Center

The Rhode Island Foundation has recognized a Narragansett man for his bold idea for improving life in Rhode Island.

Harold “Bud” Vincent was selected as a finalist for $300,000 Rhode Island Innovation Fellowships. The grants are made possible through the vision and generosity of philanthropists Letitia and John Carter.

“We recognize our finalists for their ambitious strategies for addressing challenges and creating change in Rhode Island,” said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “We are appreciative of Letitia and John Carter’s devotion to Rhode Island and are pleased to play a role in transforming their dreams into one of our boldest initiatives.”

Now in its fourth year, the program is designed to stimulate solutions by Rhode Islanders to Rhode Island challenges. The proposal by Vincent was 1 of just 5 selected as a finalist from more than 350 applications.

“Letitia and I applaud each of the applicants on their talent, ambition and commitment to our state. We look forward to seeing the constructive change they generate,” said John Carter.

Vincent, an research associate professor at the University of Rhode Island’s Dept. of Ocean Engineering, proposed creating the Ocean Technology Manufacturing Center, which would apply new technological developments to traditional markets in military, scientific and commercial endeavors such as offshore oil and gas production and extend them into the new sectors of offshore renewable energy, scientific research and environmental monitoring.

“The biggest obstacle to bringing any technology forward is funding, and this is no exception. We have made great strides with very modest funding available internally at the University of Rhode Island and through the efforts of many dedicated students I have advised. Unfortunately, many of these students have left the state due to lack of employment opportunities. I am seeking to reverse that trend,” said Vincent.

His initial focus was the construction and operation of a small fleet of Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs). Vincent intended to leverage over 10 years of marine robotics capacity developed at URI’s Ocean Engineering Department. Vincent has already partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard to implement the technology on operational platforms in Narragansett Bay.

“The main impact would be providing job opportunities in marine robotics and computer programming. It will establish Rhode Island as the national leader in the design, construction and operation of ASVs in coastal environments,” said Vincent. “I am encouraged by the fact that I was selected as a finalist. This gives me some reassurance that my idea is sound and eventually will receive the necessary support to be implemented.”

In addition to recognizing Vincent and the other four finalists, the Foundation awarded two applicants – John Haley and the husband and wife team of Daniel Kamil and Emily Steffian – $300,000 grants over three years.

Haley proposes to stimulate the state’s shellfish industry by creating a more reliable method of obtaining blue mussel seed stock fixed to a rope-like cord. He will manufacture a Blue Mussel Spat Attachment Cord, pre-loaded with blue shell mussel larva -- called “spat” – made available to shellfish cultivators year-round.

Kamil and Steffian will launch the Providence Cinematheque, Rhode Island’s only multi-screen exhibition space and educational facility focusing on first-run, independent film programming; repertory series, film festivals and a curriculum in film history and media literacy.

This was the Fellowship initiative’s fourth round of funding. Previous rounds generated more than 950 applications.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2014, the Foundation awarded $34.8 million in grants to organizations addressing the most pressing issues and needs of the state’s diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.

PHOTO CAPTION (L-R) Darlene Vincent and her husband 2015 Rhode Island Innovation Fellowship finalist Harold “Bud” Vincent of Narragansett with Neil Steinberg and Jessica David of the Rhode Island Foundation at a reception honoring him as a finalist for the Foundation’s Innovation Fellowships.