Selection Panel and Criteria

The Rhode Island Foundation has convened a panel of key leaders, thinkers, and doers to select the Rhode Island Innovation Fellows:

• Neil D. Steinberg, Chair, President and CEO, The Rhode Island Foundation 
• David Dooley, President, University of Rhode Island
• Ann-Marie Harrington, President and Founder, Embolden
• Charlie Kroll, Founder and CEO, Andera
• Marie Langlois, Retired, Managing Director, Washington Trust Investors; Director, The Rhode Island Foundation
• John Maeda, President, Rhode Island School of Design    
• Navyn Salem, Founder and Executive Director, Edesia

Depending on the subject matter of specific proposals, the selection panel may choose to consult outside experts as appropriate.

The panel will be evaluating each candidate and his/her idea on knowledge, enthusiasm, focus, and presentation. Selection criteria include:

1.  The idea itself

• How innovative and/or proven is the proposed solution?
• What challenge does it address?

2.  The applicant

• What are the applicant’s background and credentials?
• Is he/she committed to Rhode Island?
• Does he/she have passion and vision around this issue?

3.  Potential impact

• What is the potential social and economic impact of this idea?
• If successful, could it be scaled for even greater impact?

4.  Plan behind idea

• How implementable is the plan?
• What’s the timeframe for action?
• How does the applicant plan to access and deploy resources?

5.  Ability to get resources elsewhere

• Would the Fellowship provide a unique and important source of venture capital for this idea?

6.  Multiplier effect

• Will this idea leverage resources from other sources?
• Will it generate excitement and energy within a broader community?