Online Launch & Celebration of the Rhode Island–Israel BlueTech & Aquaculture Committee Oceans Afar, but deeply connected through innovation and collaboration.

RIIC
5 hours ago
4 min read

Join us for a special online event as the Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative (RIIC) launches its new BlueTech & Aquaculture Committee, strengthening innovation, research, and industry partnerships between Rhode Island and Israel.

The Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative (RIIC) is proud to launch its new BlueTech & Aquaculture Committee, bringing together innovators, researchers, and industry leaders from both regions. This online event will highlight opportunities for collaboration, showcase expert speakers, and introduce funding pathways that can spark meaningful cross-border projects. Join us as we strengthen a powerful Blue Economy connection between Rhode Island and Israel.

📅 Date: Monday, January 6, 2026

⏰ Time: 9:00–10:10 a.m. Rhode Island / 4:00–5:10 p.m. Israel

💻 Platform: Zoom (link to be provided after registration)

Event is free but registration is required. To register go to the link.

Program

Opening remarks by Avi Nevel, President, CEO & Founder of RIIC
Greetings from Congressman Gabe Amo (invited)
Greetings from Benny Sharoni, Consul General of Israel to New England
Keynote remarks by Dr. Toby Stapleton, Committee Chair
Presentations by the six committee members
Funding announcements from BARD and BIRD Foundations
Extended Q&A and next steps

Committee Members

Roy Avrahami — Chief Innovation Officer, Ashdod Port Company (Israel)
Hila Ehrenreich — Chief Executive, Israeli National Center of Blue Economy & Innovation (Israel)
Ashley Medeiros — Director, Ocean Tech Hub, Rhode Island Commerce (USA)
Dr. Galit Sharon — Associate Professor of Biology, Roger Williams University (USA)
Ben Sorkin — Chief Executive Officer, Flux Marine (USA)
Roni Sussman — CEO & Managing Director, AquaculTech (Israel)

Event is free but registration is required. To register go to the link.

Read more about the committee and its mission

The Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative (RIIC) Announces Formation of BlueTech and Aquaculture Committee

Providence, RI — October 29, 2025 — The Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative (RIIC) announced the establishment of its new BlueTech and Aquaculture Committee, chaired by Dr. Toby Stapleton, Director of the Blue Venture Forum and board member of the RIIC. The committee is composed of distinguished members representing both Rhode Island and Israel, reflecting RIIC’s ongoing mission to build strong partnerships in innovation, science, and commerce.

The newly appointed committee members are: Ashley Medeiros Ocean Tech Hub(Rhode Island), Hila Ehrenreich Israel National Center of Blue Economy(Israel), Dr. Galit Sharon, Roger Williams University (Rhode Island), Roni Sussman, Aquacultech (Israel), Roy Avrahami Ashdod Port company (Israel), and Ben Sorkin Flux Marine (Rhode Island).

For more information about the committee, visit the webpage at www.TheRIIC.org/bluetecittehcommeriic .

Mission and Goals

The BlueTech and Aquaculture Committee was created to drive sustainable blue economy growth through Rhode Island–Israel collaboration. Its mission is to promote innovation, research, investment, and policy exchange across the fields of blue technology, aquaculture, and ocean sciences. The committee aims to strengthen academic, research, industrial, and governmental ties between the two regions, leveraging their shared expertise in marine science, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

Key priorities include:• Fostering innovation through joint R&D in marine robotics, offshore energy, blue biotechnology, and aquaculture.• Encouraging investment by connecting startups, investors, and venture forums from both regions.• Enhancing workforce development through exchange programs, fellowships, and education pathways in marine sciences and ocean engineering.• Supporting policy dialogue on best practices in ocean governance and sustainable fisheries.• Building community engagement to expand participation in the blue economy sector across Rhode Island and Israel.

Dr. Toby Stapleton, Chair of the BlueTech and Aquaculture Committee, stated:“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the new Blue Tech and Aquaculture Committee. I look forward to working closely with my fellow committee members and utilizing my experience to help strengthen the ties between Rhode Island and Israel in the blue tech, aquaculture, and blue economy sectors.”

Avi Nevel, President and CEO of the Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative, added:“We are thrilled to have Toby leading this important committee. His extensive background in international commerce and aquaculture will prove invaluable in furthering our mission to build bridges between Rhode Island and Israel. His leadership of the Blue Tech and Aquaculture Committee will play a crucial role in driving innovation, economic growth, and collaboration in these vital sectors.”

Individuals, organizations, or companies interested in exploring collaboration opportunities between Rhode Island and Israel in the areas of blue technology, aquaculture, or the blue economy are encouraged to reach out directly to Dr. Toby Stapleton, Chair of the BlueTech and Aquaculture Committee, through the Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative at info@TheRIIC.org.

Background and Context

Rhode Island is recognized globally for its leadership in ocean science, marine technology, and coastal resilience, while Israel has emerged as a hub for innovation in aquaculture systems, marine biotechnology, and sustainable ocean management. By linking these two ecosystems, RIIC’s BlueTech and Aquaculture Committee seeks to accelerate innovation pipelines, expand bilateral trade, and encourage new educational and business exchanges. Through collaborative programs, the committee plans to host joint events, webinars, and delegation visits that promote dialogue among researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. This initiative reinforces RIIC’s broader mission of connecting Rhode Island’s world-class academic institutions with Israel’s dynamic innovation centers.

About the Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative (RIIC)

The Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative (RIIC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering economic, academic, scientific, and cultural partnerships between Rhode Island and Israel. RIIC promotes mutual growth and innovation by developing programs that link entrepreneurs, investors, educators, and policymakers across both regions. Through its committees, initiatives, and global network, RIIC continues to strengthen the economic and scientific connections that benefit both communities.For more information, visit www.TheRIIC.org or the BlueTech and Aquaculture Committee Media Contact:

Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative (RIIC)

Email: info@theriic.org

Website: www.theriic.org