RIIC and Ocean State Labs Explore Rhode Island as a Launchpad for Israeli Life Sciences Companies
- RIIC
- 38 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Avi Nevel, Founder and CEO of the Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative (RIIC), recently visited Ocean
State Labs in Providence and met with Lilia Holt, Interim President of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, and Dr. Danya Lavin, Executive Director of Ocean State Labs.
The visit provided an opportunity to learn more about Ocean State Labs' growing role in Rhode Island's life sciences ecosystem and to explore potential future collaborations that could support Israeli startups and companies seeking to expand into the United States.
During the meeting, participants discussed new Ocean State Labs' state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot life sciences incubator, operated in partnership with Portal Innovations. The facility provides startups with laboratory and office space, operational support, investor connections, and access to a growing national and international innovation network.
Avi Nevel, Founder and CEO, Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative (RIIC); Dr. Danya Lavin, Executive Director, Ocean State Labs; and Lilia Holt, Interim President, Rhode Island Life Science Hub
Avi Nevel commented:
"I was very impressed with Ocean State Labs and the opportunities it offers to startups and emerging companies. The combination of laboratory facilities, business support, investor access, and strong academic partnerships creates a unique environment for growth. I believe Israeli companies should take a close look at the potential opportunities and incentives available here. For companies seeking entry into the U.S. market, Ocean State Labs can serve as an outstanding launchpad for success."
Lilia Holt added:
"We were delighted to welcome RIIC to Ocean State Labs and share more about the exciting growth of Rhode Island's life sciences ecosystem. Through our partnership with Portal Innovations, we are creating an environment where innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration can thrive, helping startups and emerging companies accelerate their growth.
We believe that building connections between Rhode Island's and Israel's innovation communities creates meaningful opportunities for partnership, investment, and discovery. We look forward to exploring future collaborations and supporting continued growth across both ecosystems while showcasing Rhode Island as a destination for innovative life sciences and healthcare companies seeking to expand in the United States."
A key focus of the discussion was the potential development of a pathway for Israeli life sciences, biotechnology, medical technology, healthcare, and related companies to establish a presence in Rhode Island. Ocean State Labs could serve as a launchpad for Israeli startups seeking to enter and grow within the U.S. market while benefiting from Rhode Island's strong academic, research, healthcare, and innovation ecosystem.
The participants also discussed opportunities to connect Israeli entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators with Rhode Island universities, research institutions, investors, and industry partners. Ocean State Labs' strategic partnerships and Portal Innovations' broader network create exciting opportunities for international collaboration and business growth.
Both organizations expressed enthusiasm about exploring future initiatives that could strengthen economic development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and research relationships between Rhode Island and Israel.
Israeli companies interested in learning more about opportunities in Rhode Island and Ocean State Labs are encouraged to contact Avi Nevel, Founder and CEO of the Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative (RIIC).anevel@theriic.org
RIIC will be pleased to facilitate introductions and connect interested companies with Lilia Holt, Interim President of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, and the appropriate Rhode Island partners to explore potential opportunities for expansion and collaboration.
For more information about the Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative, please visit www.theriic.org.
