Advancing Ocean Technology Innovation

The Ocean Tech Hub is a regional collaboration establishing global leadership in ocean and undersea innovation through the acceleration and commercialization of ocean technology.

The ocean is the largest asset on Earth and serves as the most important economic driver for Southeastern New England. Underwater technologies play a crucial role in several of the United States' key industries, including defense, energy production, transportation, shipping, and aquaculture. The Ocean Tech Hub is fostering economic opportunities through a collaborative approach, while also ensuring the health, safety, and security of the nation by advancing and commercializing ocean technologies.

The Ocean Tech Hub is a Southeastern New England innovation center for marine science and technology, advancing economic prosperity and environmental sustainability ​through sparking the ocean technology innovation ecosystem.​

Tech Hubs Official Designee

One of 31 Nationally Designated Tech Hubs

The Ocean Tech Hub was designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration as a Tech Hub in 2023. This Designation is recognition of the importance of growing the ocean technology economy in the United States.

Join us in our mission to create a global hub for undersea innovation through the development, advancement, and commercialization of ocean technology.  

Our vision is a region where residents from all communities see a viable pathway into sustaining careers, all small businesses see increased client or customer base, and where new jobs and new business comes online rapidly through commercialization of innovative Ocean Technologies.

Advancing Ocean Technology through a Network of Interconnected Regional Assets

Phase 2 Projects Include:

OTH-University Consortium

A collaboration between the University of Rhode Island, Brown University, and the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth to provide access to top-of-the-line test tanks, dedicated salt and fresh water testing facilities, and legal and other technical assistance for businesses in the OTH—even those not affiliated with the universities

Blue Robotics Lab (BRL)

A co-working and light manufacturing space in Bristol, RI, for robotics entrepreneurs and startups as they design, build, prototype, test and commercialize undersea robotics and advanced materials. Direct water access for testing and demonstration is a stone’s throw away.

Ocean Renewable Energy Center

Dockside, near-shore and permanent deep offshore testing facilities in New Bedford, MA, available for businesses in the OTH, especially those in the clean energy sectors.

Smart Bay

A digital architecture of the waters in SE New England that will enable faster technology commercialization from existing and new companies by leveraging the digital tools to iterate new solutions faster and more cost-effectively.

Workforce of the Future

Employer-driven training programs managed through the Real Jobs Rhode Island program (RJRI), as well as wraparound supports for trainees, K-12 student learning and exposure opportunities.

Business Acceleration

An upcoming Ocean Tech Challenge, supportive accelerator and venture mentoring, and investor summit will address unmet needs of second-stage and Tier 2 businesses in the area and bring a concierge approach to business growth.

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