Hi there,


Subsea Summer is officially underway, and the momentum across Southeastern New England continues to build. Over the past several weeks, students, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, industry leaders, and international partners have come together highlighting why our region is emerging as one of the nation's leading centers for ocean technology innovation.

Courage Builder's first-ever virtual Courage Kids event connected students with ocean experts from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Sea Education Association, and Saltbox Oyster Farm. Students learned about ocean monitoring technologies, marine ecosystems, and careers in ocean science and aquaculture before participating in an immersive, hands-on Blue Tech experience featuring robotics and virtual reality demonstrations.

The Ocean Tech Hub was also proud to participate in the Gold Coast Meets Ocean State: U.S.–Ghana Trade, Investment & Innovation Forum, joining leaders from Rhode Island and Ghana to explore opportunities for collaboration in maritime innovation, ocean technology, trade, and investment. Thank you to Ghana Diaspora Public Affairs Collective for bringing together an outstanding group of public and private sector leaders to strengthen international partnerships across the ocean economy.

Another exciting milestone was the grand opening of the University of Rhode Island's Ocean Robotics Laboratory at the Narragansett Bay Campus. The new state-of-the-art facility expands opportunities for hands-on student learning, advanced research, and collaboration with industry and government while further strengthening Rhode Island's leadership in ocean robotics, autonomy, and marine technology.

Our entrepreneurial ecosystem was also on full display during the BlueTech Industry Spotlight, hosted by Blue Venture Forum and Innovate Newport, where more than 100 attendees gathered to network and hear pitches from innovative companies. Throughout June, Innovate Newport also hosted five weeks of Blue Tech Talks, featuring the region’s innovative companies and organizations and providing valuable opportunities for founders, investors, and industry leaders to connect and share new technologies.


The region's startup pipeline continued to gain momentum as SeaAhead and the Blue Institute celebrated their accelerator participants during their recent Demo Days, showcasing the next generation of ocean technology companies and reinforcing the strength of Southeastern New England's innovation ecosystem.


With Subsea Summer continuing through October, there are still dozens of opportunities to get involved. From technology demonstrations and networking events to workforce programs and community activities, this summer is showcasing the collaboration, innovation, and talent that are driving the future of ocean technology. We invite you to join us and discover everything our region has to offer by visiting the Ocean Tech Hub Events Calendar.



Ashley Medeiros

Director, Ocean Tech Hub


OCEAN TECH IN THE NEWS


Anduril Industries Named Flagship Sponsor of BlueTIDE 2026, strengthening support for the region's premier ocean technology and dual-use innovation event.

Ocean News & Technology


UTIC awards over $100,000 in scholarships to undersea technology students pursuing STEM-related degrees tied to ocean, marine, and undersea technology fields.

Workboat


REGENT completes Seaglider manufacturing facility in North Kingstown. The 255,000-square-foot facility will serve as the global hub for both the all-electric Viceroy Seaglider and the Squire Seaglider drone.

WJAR (Channel 10)


Juice Robotics, a University of Rhode Island (URI) spinout company, has secured venture investment from Rogue Island Ventures and licensed four URI-developed technologies

Ocean News & Technology


For more Ocean Tech news check out our website: https://www.oceantechnologyhub.com/press

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES


Deadline:


July

15

NOAA: Notice of Funding Opportunity


NOAA’s U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Ocean Technology Transition (OTT) program released its 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity. 


Learn more >>


Deadline:


July

17

New Bedford Research & Robotics Fall Internships


New Bedford Research & Robotics internship program provides hands-on, high-impact experiences across research, marine robotics, industrial robotics, and STEM education.



Learn more >>


Deadline:


July

21

Rhode Island Innovation Voucher Grants


Innovation Vouchers are grants that fund strategic investments in local businesses to catalyze growth through research and development (R&D). 

 

Learn more >>


Deadline:


August

7

Ocean Exchange Call for Solutions


Ocean Exchange is now accepting applications for the 2026 Neptune Awards — featuring $100,000 USD in non-dilutive funding to accelerate groundbreaking ocean solutions.


Learn more >>


Deadline:


August

10

Newport Investor Summit Pitch Applications


Pitch Applications Are Now Open!


The NIS pitch offers startups a high-stakes platform to present their ideas to over 60 early-stage investor groups. 


Learn more >>

TECHNOLOGY TESTING COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITY


The U.S. Department of Energy's Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office (H2O) has opened applications for the second phase of its Hydropower Testing Network (HyTN) voucher program. The program connects hydropower technology developers with a network of testing facilities.  


Verdantas Flow Labs in Holden, MA, is one of the 21 testing providers and is interested in partnering with companies seeking testing opportunities.

Applications are due July 23, 2026.


Interested in connecting with Verdantas Flow Labs? Contact Ashley Medeiros at Ashley.Medeiros@CommerceRI.com to learn more or request an introduction.




EVENTS


July

14

New Bedford Ocean Cluster: Ocean Economy Series, Offshore Renewable Energy



A three-part event exploring innovation and technology across key areas of the regional blue economy: Aquaculture, Commercial Fishing, and Offshore Renewable Energy. 



Learn more >>


August

27

Polaris Tech Bridge: BlueTIDE 2026



This annual event is the premiere platform for cutting-edge maritime and dual-use technologies.


Learn more >>


August

31

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September

2

SENEDIA: Defense Innovation Days 2026



A three-day national convening bringing together national security experts and policymakers with defense industry leaders developing innovative technology and the next-generation workforce.


Learn more >>


September

25

RIHub: Newport Investor Summit



Connect with leading investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators from around the world for a day of networking, investment opportunities, and breakthrough innovation


Learn more >>


Don’t miss out on these and other great ocean tech events! Subscribe to the Ocean Tech Hub’s event calendar at https://www.oceantechnologyhub.com/events


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