While Massachusetts governor promised to invest $1.25 billion to bolster biotechnology industry and advance stem-cell research at the BIO convention, RI representatives quietly held down their booth, giving the 25,000 industry representatives from across the world a chance to see how Rhode Island is supporting biotechnology and other industries.

The booth was shared by the R.I. Economic Development Corporation, the Slater Technology Fund, Amgen, Epivax, Concordia Fibers, Biomedical Structures, the University of Rhode Island and others involved in life sciences in Rhode Island.

Andy Cutler, a spokesman for the EDC, said the joint effort not only made the $100,000 cost of the booth affordable, but it also allowed the Rhode Island group to highlight the partnerships, cooperation and resources that make Rhode Island fertile ground for biomedical research.

Governor Donald L. Carcieri also spoke at the panel discussion about recent initiatives undertaken in RI including:

• tax credits
• $60 million Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences at URI
• establishment of Science and Technology Advisory Council
• RI-WINS