Exploring the Forces Shaping Our Future
September 24th, 2026 |
Rhode Island, USA
A high-level dialogue with leaders, innovators, investors and researchers exploring the challenges and opportunities related to the ocean, its economy, its technology and our future.
THANK YOU
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the inaugural Futures Forum.
Futures was defined by the people in the room—and by the ideas, questions and conversations you brought with you. From underwater exploration and habitation to renewable energy, autonomous transportation, national defense, and ocean research, the day offered new perspectives and unexpected connections, all centered on our Ocean.
We are especially grateful to our speakers, moderators and catalysts for sharing their experience, vision and expertise, and to everyone who contributed to the dynamic conversation throughout the forum. Your time, insights and enthusiasm helped make this first gathering a memorable one.
This was just the beginning. We set out to create a new kind of forum focused on the forces shaping our future—and the opportunities, technologies and people leading them. We look forward to building on this first Futures Forum, continuing the conversation and creating new opportunities for bold ideas and meaningful connections to take root.
Thank you for being part of Futures—and for helping us imagine what comes next.
Photo Gallery
September 24th, 2026 | Newport, Rhode Island
Keynote Speakers
Aquanaut & Oceanographic Explorer, Founder of Proteus Ocean Group (grandson of Jacques Cousteau).
FABIEN COUSTEAU
Co-Founder and CEO, REGENT Craft
BILLY THALHEIMER
Co-Founder and CEO, Eco Wave Power
INNA BRAVERMAN
Co-Director and Chief Science Officer, OceanX
VINCENT PIERIBONE
Futures: Ocean is interwoven into a week of related regional and national convenings in Rhode Island, including Newport Investor Summit, RI Startup Week and the Global Trade Summit.
Futures is designed to convene high-level conversations on the challenges and opportunities for our collective future.
Rhode Island is truly the “Ocean State” — defined by our natural geography, world-class research and university institutions, naval and defense expertise, one of the nation’s densest and growing ocean technology clusters, and a highly skilled workforce. From artificial intelligence and autonomous systems to defense, biotechnology, advanced materials, and marine science, the ocean is shaping the future — and much of that innovation is happening right here in Rhode Island.
We invite you to be part of the inaugural Futures Forum. Bring your perspective, unique expertise, and curiosity to the conversation, and help us build on Rhode Island’s momentum as a leader in the ocean economy and opportunities shaping what comes next.
