Innovate Newport, in collaboration with the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce and regional partners, offers a robust suite of programs designed to support entrepreneurs, startups, and growing companies across Rhode Island. Our programs focus on education, networking, mentorship, and industry-specific insights to help founders and professionals navigate each stage of business growth.

  • Industry Spotlights - Quarterly open to the public events showcasing growing sectors in Rhode Island such as health tech, blue tech, food & beverage, social enterprises, and more!
  • Blue Tech Talks -  An annual series highlighting the founders and innovative companies who are a part of the fastest growing industry in the region.
  • Founders’ Dinners -  A year-long cohort designed to support founders and entrepreneurs as they grow. This paid program is in partnership with the Newport Chamber and runs January-December.
  • Partnered Programming - Partners such as RIHub, NEMIC, Blue Venture Forum, Rhode Island Commerce, SBDC and SBA host free programming in our space on a regular basis to support entrepreneurs across industries.

Innovate Newport Programs

Industry Spotlights

  • What It Is: An event series exploring local economic trends, technologies, and growth opportunities.
  • Partnership: Hosted with the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce.
  • Features: Expert panels, presentations, and networking across industries like tech, healthcare, and marine innovation.
  • Benefits: Helps local businesses find partners, benchmark strategies, and share knowledge.
  • Ideal Audience: Founders, executives, and community members.
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blue tech talks

  • What It Is: An engaging discussion series focused on Rhode Island’s Blue Economy, including marine technology, ocean sustainability, and coastal innovation.
  • Partnership: Hosted by Innovate Newport and the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce.
  • Features: Expert and researcher presentations combined with interactive Q&A and networking sessions.
  • Benefits: Provides actionable insights into emerging marine tech, investment opportunities, regulatory trends, and valuable strategic connections.
  • Ideal Audience: Startups, established companies, and community stakeholders interested in the regional marine innovation ecosystem.

founder’s dinners

  • What It Is: Intimate networking and dining events that bring together early-stage entrepreneurs, startup founders, and business leaders for connection and discussion.
  • Partnership: Hosted in collaboration with the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce.
  • Features:Curated gatherings combining fine dining with focused conversation, peer dialogue, and mentorship.
  • Benefits: Offers a relaxed space to share experiences, gain guidance from seasoned professionals, build partnerships, and deepen connections to the Newport business community.
  • Ideal Audience: Rhode Island entrepreneurs, startup founders, and business leaders seeking peer support and strategic collaboration.
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RIHUB Startup Programming

  • What It Is: Startup-focused programming designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential companies in Rhode Island.
  • Partnership: A collaboration between Innovate Newport, RIHUB, and the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce.
  • Features:Workshops, accelerator-style mentorship, pitch preparation, investor readiness sessions, founder networking events, and access to physical workspace.
  • Benefits: Helps founders refine business models, develop go-to-market strategies, prepare for fundraising, and gain direct pathways to capital and experienced mentors.
  • Ideal Audience: High-potential startups, early-stage founders, and entrepreneurs looking to scale their operations.