Mayor Donald R. Grebien, Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor, the Pawtucket Foundation, the Pawtucket Red Sox and event organizer Red DWG Library joined together today to announce the official launch of Ocean Inno Tech Fest 2018, a technology and innovation event being held on May 10, 2018 at McCoy Stadium.

The Ocean Inno Tech Fest will host the technology community, startups, entrepreneurs, college and universities, recruiters, investors and the general public to experience the future of innovation – virtual reality, AI, robotics, professional drone racing, workshops, networking, happy hour, food trucks, and live music.

Large and small companies will be able to showcase their products, as well as their company culture and career opportunities. This is an unprecedented opportunity for the technology ecosystem from Rhode Island and New England to promote their brands. Top tech CEO’s will discuss their contribution to innovation and what the future holds.  Startups will have access to professional evaluations, and guest speakers will host workshops on local infrastructure, growth practices and other industry topics.

“We know Rhode Island’s future depends in part on our ability to coalesce and commercialize emerging and exciting ideas. The Ocean Inno Tech Fest is a great new way to bring together fascinating people doing remarkable things,” said Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor. “From our Innovation Voucher program, which helps fund research and development to the Wavemaker Fellowship for STEM and design professionals, innovation is a key component of our economic development strategy, and we look forward to this event.”

“Pawtucket is the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution- this is where innovation began,” said Mayor Grebien. “We are proud to host the Tech Fest, and we encourage industry professionals and the public to join us at this exciting event.”

“Ocean Inno was developed to spread brand awareness of our growing community in the technology world. Bringing the creative innovators and play makers together in one of the most diverse states in the nation,” said David Gomez, Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Red DWG Library & Ocean Inno.

“Great ideas come from great places. The State, the City of Pawtucket and our small businesses, like the Red DWG Library, have geared up in so many ways for the innovative economy,” said Jan Brodie, Executive Director of the Pawtucket Foundation. “The Ocean Inno Tech Fest is a chance to bring all these innovative technology thinkers together and to have a day of fun.  I can't wait for May 10th!”

Rhode Island is home to a rapidly evolving technology, innovation sector and some of the best higher education institutions in the country. Rhode Island has taken bold action to make the Ocean State the best place in New England to start, grow or locate a business.

Tickets will go on sale soon. Follow Ocean Inno Tech Fest on Twitter or Facebook. Sponsorship and additional information available at www.OceanInno.io. For additional information and questions, email: info@reddwglibrary.com or call (401) 229-9526.

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