PROGRAMS & EVENTS
In addition to flexible co-working and office space, Innovate Newport hosts a variety of events and programs around Innovation & Entrepreneurship throughout the year with the support of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce.
Check out the sections below for more on our Innovation & Entrepreneurship programs or contact Caroline@NewportChamber.com.
Founders’ Dinners
The 2026 Founders’ Dinner Program is your opportunity to engage in candid discussions, build meaningful relationships, and gain the insights needed to navigate the journey of entrepreneurship.
At these exclusive bi-monthly dinners, you’ll join a cohort of founders for in-depth conversations on key startup topics, guided by experienced Guest Mentors. Each dinner explores themes crucial to scaling a business.
Examples of topics include; funding options, sustainable scaling strategies, concept to commercialization, AI use, marketing, problem solving and pivoting, building a strong company culture, and more!
Event Details
- Format: This is a closed cohort-based program. Founders commit the cohort for the year.
- When: Every other month. 6-8 p.m.
- Where: Bristol and Newport, RI locations
- Cost: $385 for non-chamber members, $360 for Chamber members
*Price includes 6 multi-course dinners with beer, wine and beverages at various locations, plus an end of year celebration
Blue Tech Talks
Blue Tech Talks is a summer lunch & learn series designed to immerse audiences in the innovative world of ocean-inspired technology. Featuring leaders of Blue Tech companies at various stages of growth, this series of tech talks promises to enlighten, educate, and inspire.
Each “Blue Tech Talk” invites a different executive or founder to share their journey and technology. Following each talk, attendees have the opportunity to engage with the founders directly, asking questions, sharing insights, and fostering connections within the BlueTech community.
Blue Tech Talks are held on Wednesdays throughout July and August, 2025 from 12-1 pm.
Innovation Crawl
The Innovation Crawl, a collaborative effort by Innovate Newport and RIHub, offers participants a unique opportunity to explore Rhode Island’s dynamic innovation ecosystem. Designed to inspire and engage, the program highlights some of the state’s most innovative companies and spaces through immersive experiences.
Program Highlights:
Attendees: Bringing together 30 participants, including entrepreneurs, business professionals, and innovation enthusiasts, the event fosters meaningful connections across diverse industries.
Tours and Talks: The program features visits to 5-6 trailblazing organizations. Each stop offers guided tours and “Flash Talks,” providing a behind-the-scenes look at the innovative processes and ideas driving these ventures.
Networking Opportunities: The day concludes with an optional social gathering where attendees can network with members of Rhode Island’s entrepreneurial and innovation communities in a casual, engaging setting.
The Innovation Crawl also serves as the official kickoff for RI Startup Week 2025, a week-long celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation. RI Startup Week unites entrepreneurs, local leaders, students, corporations, investors, and community members through a variety of events aimed at fostering collaboration, inspiration, and growth.
This engaging and educational program showcases Rhode Island’s thriving innovation community, inviting participants to connect, learn, and be inspired by the ingenuity shaping the region’s future.
Industry Spotlights
The Industry Spotlight Series showcases Rhode Island’s diverse industrial landscape, featuring established companies, mid-market businesses, startups, and service providers. These events foster stakeholder networking among industry leaders, investors, academics, prospective employees, and community members, encouraging the exchange of ideas and insights.
Each event educates attendees about the industry’s ecosystem, success factors, challenges, and opportunities, while offering a deep dive into the growth and innovation strategies of emerging brands. Startups and turnaround companies gain visibility, guidance, and connections to thrive within the industry.
May 29, 2025, 4:30-7:30 PM; Health Tech with NEMIC
July 24, 2025, 4:30-7:30 PM; Climate Tech
September 16, 2025, 4:30-7:30 PM; Design with DESIGNxRI
The Blue & You Regional Series
Dive into the heart of Rhode Island’s Ocean Economy with “The Blue & You” Regional Series—an exploration of the ocean-driven industries that have long been a cornerstone of our state’s prosperity. From the shores of Westerly to Providence and Northern Rhode Island, this series celebrates real people doing real jobs that define our maritime heritage and future.
This series is a collaboration between Innovate Newport, and Grow Blue, with support for statewide programming provided by The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, Ocean Tech Hub, 401 Tech Bridge and Polaris MEP.
2025 Event Dates:
- June 18, 2025 (Westerly) 9AM – 11AM: Coastal Resilience and Sustainable Tourism
- October 15, 2025 (Providence) 9AM – 11AM: Ports and Sea Level Rise
Join industry experts, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers as we uncover the vital role the Ocean Economy plays in our daily lives and the immense opportunities it holds for tomorrow. Through engaging sessions, you’ll hear firsthand from those who live and work on the water, while discovering innovative solutions to complex coastal challenges.
Innovate Newport
513 Broadway, Newport, R.I. 02840
(401) 847-1600 X 109
Innovate Newport is a collaborative initiative between the City of Newport, Newport County Development Council (the non-profit 501(c)3 arm of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce) and The Economic Development Foundation of Rhode Island.