Innovate Newport + NEMIC Host 2nd Annual HealthTech Industry Spotlight
The 2025 HealthTech Industry Spotlight, held on May 29 at Innovate Newport, brought together innovators, investors, and healthcare leaders to highlight Rhode Island’s growing life sciences and health technology sector. Organized in collaboration with the New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC), the event was part of Innovate Newport’s broader Industry Spotlight Series, which aims to connect early-stage companies with industry stakeholders across various sectors.
The evening featured opening remarks from Douglas G. Gray, a Health Care + Life Sciences partner at Troutman Pepper Locke, a key sponsor of the series. Attendees participated in panel discussions and startup showcases, gaining insights into regional innovation trends, commercialization pathways, and investment opportunities. Panelists included NEMIC CoFounders + Managing Partners, Aidan Petrie and Lydia Shin, as well as Flourish Care Founder + CEO Melissa Bowley, and Senior Associate at Digitalis Ventures Dr. Travis Hughes.
Key themes from the Panel Discussion centered around the developing landscape of Rhode Island’s burgeoning Life Sciences industry, critical support pillars and mechanisms that will enable sustainable, long-term success, funding hurdles and experiences for startup, and investment trends along with “behind the table” insights from the perspective of investors.
The event also featured a softball-tyle pitch presentation, featuring pitches from Flourish Care (presented by Founder + CEO Melisa Bowley), Kinesia (presented by CoFounder + CEO Mark Torok), and KT Innovations (presented by Founder + CEO Katelyn Holt). The evening fostered networking among entrepreneurs, corporate strategists, academics, and community members, reinforcing Rhode Island’s position as a hub for health tech innovation. It also provided a platform for emerging companies to gain visibility and connect with potential partners and investors.
ABOUT INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
In 2024, Innovate Newport launched the Industry Spotlight Series to showcase Rhode Island's diverse industrial landscape. The series fosters stakeholder networking among industry leaders, investors, academics, prospective employees, and community members, encouraging the exchange of ideas and insights.
The Industry Spotlight Series continues with upcoming events focusing on Climate Tech (July 24) and Design (September 16), further supporting the state's diverse innovation ecosystem.
