Newport Soft Landing Partnership
LOCATION MATTERS
The Greater Newport region provides Ocean-Tech companies the opportunity to scale their business in a welcoming environment.
The Greater Newport Soft Landing Partnership allows companies to have an Ocean-Tech concierge that makes the process of locating in the region easy and expedites the experience of being part of the community.
Our growing portfolio of Ocean-Tech companies cites our six areas of strength as the reason they are seeing success:
1. Sector Strength
Newport is at the heart of New England's Ocean-Tech ecosystem and is the most central location if you are doing business with industries including:
- Defense
- Offshore Wind
- Oceanographic Research
- Fisheries & Aquaculture
2. Available Space
A range of opportunities to have office space within proximity to water access
- Innovate Newport serves as the physical hub
- Office and light manufacturing space available in the region
- Opportunities for large scale development
3. Capital Access
A growing array of capital programs to support Ocean-Tech scaling
- RI Network Matching Grants to support private and academic R&D partnerships
- Blue Venture Forum connections to equity capital
- Business plan competitions
4. Research and Development
Significant depth of Ocean-Tech research occurring in the region including:
- University partners - the University of Rhode Island and Roger Williams University
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center, SENEDIA, and their private company partners
- Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium provides funding to support defense and maritime product prototyping
5. Networking and Events
An opportunity to join an Ocean-Tech community
- Blue Innovation Symposium - a global Ocean-Tech network
- Founders Network - peer network of startup business leaders
- Blue economy and environment speaker series
6. Talent Pipeline
A pipeline of talent ready for work
- 13,000 college and university graduates each year within 40 miles
- IYRS School of Technology and Trades offers hands-on training to Ocean-Tech builders
- Fab Network - Introducing the next generation of Ocean Tech workers to the field
