Biden-Harris Administration Designates Tech Hub in Rhode Island’s Providence-Warwick Region to Advance Ocean Technology Innovation

WASHINGTON, DC — The Biden-Harris administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), today announced that the Ocean Tech Hub in the Providence-Warwick region was designated as one of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs in regions across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors.

The Ocean Tech Hub, a consortium led by Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, will leverage its unique coastal assets – including seven commercial ports and shallow and deep ocean access – to establish digital and physical testing and manufacturing environments for rapid prototype testing and delivery to meet the growing commercial demand. In doing so, the Ocean Tech Hub seeks to advance ocean technology innovation and become a global leader in the growing ocean economy.

This designation is part of the first phase of the novel Tech Hubs program, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, that will invest directly in high-potential U.S. regions and aim to transform them into globally competitive innovation centers. Designation is an endorsement of the region’s strategy to supercharge their respective technological industry to create jobs and strengthen U.S. economic and national security. Designated Tech Hubs are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program that will invest between $50-$75 million in each of 5-10 Designated Hubs.

In addition to a Tech Hubs Designation, EDA announced today that the Ocean Tech Hub was also awarded a Tech Hubs Strategy Development Grant that will help the consortium increase local coordination and planning activities to strengthen its region’s capacity to manufacture, commercialize, and deploy critical technologies.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is rooted in policies that will empower the United States to out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world. Our Tech Hubs Program is fundamental to that mission and will supercharge innovation across the nation by spurring cutting-edge technological investments and creating 21st century job opportunities in people’s backyards,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Each of these consortia will help us ensure the industries of the future—and their good-paying jobs—start, grow, and remain in the United States.”

“These outstanding consortia exemplify place-based economic development strategies at their best: combining federal resources with regional assets, expertise, and coalitions to implement transformational opportunities,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “As each region develops its own strategy to catalyze innovation and job creation, the entire nation grows more secure and more competitive.”

“I want to thank the Biden Administration for designating Rhode Island as the home of one of 31 inaugural Tech Hubs across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors,” said Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. “Ocean technology and the ocean economy has been part of the innovation ecosystem in Rhode Island and the Southeastern New England region for decades. This Tech Hubs Designation validates Rhode Island’s national position in this growing global market and gives us the fuel to build critical infrastructure that will further drive the U.S. economic and national security.”

“We’re proud to support the Ocean Tech Hub proposal, which will capitalize on Southeastern New England's blue tech innovation leadership that spans sectors like commercial fishing, maritime defense, and clean energy. This national award will drive increased collaboration between our leading research institutions, top-tier universities, and groundbreaking companies while also benefiting coastal communities in our state,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey.

“The Ocean State is a leader in ocean tech and the Blue Economy and I commend the Biden Administration for selecting Rhode Island as one of the of 31 inaugural Tech Hubs,” said Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed. “This Tech Hub designation, paired with federal funding for Rhode Island, will help foster more collaboration and development across our region to ensure the Ocean State can help lead and accelerate technological advancements for years to come.”

“Rhode Island’s location and access to talent has long positioned our state to be a leader in innovation across growing sectors, including cutting edge technology and artificial intelligence,” said Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “I am pleased that the Ocean State received a Tech Hub designation and Strategy Development Grant which will help drive local and interstate collaboration to create jobs, foster talent, and strengthen our local and regional economy for generations.”

“Rhode Island’s heritage as a leader in manufacturing, innovation and marine science is alive and well,” said Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02). “The federal designation of the Ocean Tech Hub will help ensure that Rhode Island will be home to good-paying jobs in cutting-edge fields for generations to come.”

“The CHIPS and Science Act is strengthening local economies, and this federal investment in The Ocean Tech Hub ensures that Southern New England will continue to lead in the ocean economy,” said Representative Bill Keating (MA-09). “By working together across state lines, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State of Rhode Island, and State of Connecticut are cementing the region's role as a global leader in the ocean economy. From offshore wind to national security to ocean research, this EDA designation and Tech Hubs Strategy Development Grant will ensure that our Blue Economy sector continues to grow and create jobs.”

The 31 Tech Hubs were selected from 198 applications from regional consortia that include industry, academia, state and local governments, economic development organizations, and labor and workforce partners. The Tech Hubs span regions across 32 states and Puerto Rico and represent a cross section of urban and rural regions.

For a full list of Tech Hubs, visit TechHubs.gov.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.