Rhode Island and Southeastern New England named as a tech hub
Recently, the Biden-Harris Economic Development Administration named Rhode Island and Southeastern New England as one of 31 Tech Hubs, calling it the “Ocean Tech Hub”. These Tech Hubs bring together public, private, and academic partners into collaborative consortia to drive regional growth. The Ocean Tech Hub will focus on the autonomous systems industry and specialize in ocean robotics, sensors, and materials in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The Hub also received a Tech Hubs Strategy Development Grant that will help the consortium increase local coordination and further manufacturing, commercialization, and deployment efforts. About $500,000 of the grant funding is being put towards the hub’s “Grow Blue Initiative”, which is working towards building the Southeastern New England economy through building a diverse and equitable industry to bolster commercial resilience, creating a diverse range of job opportunities, and utilizing internal and external partnerships.
“With big implications for climate adaptation and change mitigation, national security, and economic development, this opportunity impacts our startups, researchers, and workforce—and has implications for childcare, transportation, and housing needs,” said Daniela Fairchild, the Chief Strategy Officer at RI Commerce.
The New England Council would like to commend the Ocean Tech Hub for the important work being done to strengthen the New England economy and promote technological development.
Read more from Sea Ahead.