Rhode Island Israel Collaborative
Rhode Island Israel Collaborative (RIIC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) chamber of commerce founded in 2017 that facilitates trade, academic exchange, and research collaboration between Rhode Island and Israel through membership programs, events, trade missions, and bilateral partnerships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersProvidence, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Rhode Island Israel Collaborative does
The Rhode Island Israel Collaborative (RIIC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) chamber of commerce founded in 2017 by Avi Nevel, headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. RIIC's stated mission is to foster trade, business, academic exchange, and research collaboration between Rhode Island and Israel. The organization operates with 1–10 employees and serves as a bilateral connector rather than a technology company, with no proprietary product or platform; instead, RIIC functions as a coordination layer between government, academic, healthcare, and commercial stakeholders across the two regions.
RIIC generates revenue primarily through a six-tier annual membership program (ranging from $30 for Student members to $50,000 for Platinum members) and supplementary event revenue from conferences, workshops, and delegations. Its program portfolio includes the Aquaculture Conference, BIRD Foundation workshops (facilitating access to bilateral R&D grants of up to $1M), the quarterly Coffee Rush Hour series, the Israeli Gamechangers speaker series, the Rhode Island–Israel BlueTech Startup Competition, the Little States Big Innovation web series, and dedicated committees for Healthcare and BlueTech/Aquaculture. Distribution is conducted through a Wix-hosted website, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, newsletters, and in-person events in Rhode Island and Israel.
RIIC's strategic posture is institutional rather than commercial. The organization has facilitated landmark bilateral agreements — including Governor Gina Raimondo's 2019 Israel trade mission and a cooperation agreement with Ben Gurion University — and has built a partner network spanning the Consulate General of Israel to New England, HUBASHDOD (Israel's 6th-ranked startup ecosystem per StartupBlink 2020), the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce (~1,100 members), Innovate Newport, Brown University Health, and multiple universities. As a 501(c)(6) trade association, RIIC is funded by membership dues and donations rather than venture or institutional capital, and does not pursue conventional revenue scaling.
Rhode Island Israel Collaborative firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Rhode Island Israel Collaborative
- Legal name
- Rhode Island Israel Collaborative
- Website
- https://theriic.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Rhode Island Israel Collaborative (RIIC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) chamber of commerce founded in 2017 that facilitates trade, academic exchange, and research collaboration between Rhode Island and Israel through membership programs, events, trade missions, and bilateral partnerships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Rhode Island Israel Collaborative is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Providence
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Rhode Island Israel Collaborative business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: RIIC generates revenue through annual membership fees at six tiers ranging from $30 (Student) to $50,000 (Platinum), providing varying levels of access to events, business development support, and connections.
- Event Revenue: Revenue generated from event tickets, sponsorships, and programs including conferences, workshops, and networking events.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Student Membership - $30/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Individual Membership - $100/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Bronze Membership - $500/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Silver Membership - $2,500/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Gold Membership - $10,000/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Platinum Membership - $50,000/year |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Rhode Island Israel Collaborative product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RIIC is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) chamber of commerce that fosters trade, business, academic exchange, and research between Rhode Island and Israel. It delivers this through six tiered annual membership levels ($30 Student to $50,000 Platinum), recurring programs such as the Aquaculture Conference, Coffee Rush Hour, Israeli Gamechangers, Rhode Island-Israel BlueTech Startup Competition, Little States Big Innovation Web Series, and Rhode Island Virtual Trade Mission, alongside sector-specific committees (BlueTech & Aquaculture Committee, HealthCare Committee). The organization also connects member companies to BIRD Foundation grants of up to $1,000,000 for joint US-Israel development projects.
Product overview
The Rhode Island-Israel Collaborative (RIIC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) chamber of commerce that operates programs facilitating trade, business, academic exchange, and research between Rhode Island and Israel. The organization offers tiered membership programs (Student through Platinum) and manages various programs including the Aquaculture Conference, BIRD Foundation connection programs, Coffee Rush Hour quarterly business affairs, Israeli Gamechangers speaker series, Rhode Island-Israel BlueTech Competition, and Little States Big Innovation Web Series. Additionally, RIIC operates specialized committees including the BlueTech & Aquaculture Committee and HealthCare Committee. The organization does not offer a technical product but rather serves as a networking and facilitation entity.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- RIIC Membership Programs Tiered annual membership offering six levels from Student ($30/year) through Individual ($100), Bronze ($500), Silver ($2,500), Gold ($10,000), and Platinum ($50,000), each with escalating benefits including event tickets, recognition, business development support, funding assistance, and connections to potential partners. For companies, institutions, and individuals seeking bilateral Rhode Island–Israel engagement.
- Aquaculture Conference Annual conference focused on aquaculture collaboration between Rhode Island and Israel, including sustainable aquaculture initiatives. Hosted with partners including Roger Williams University. For companies, researchers, and institutions in the blue economy.
- BIRD Foundation Programs Programs connecting companies with the BIRD Foundation for funding opportunities of up to $1,000,000 for joint Israeli-U.S. development projects. RIIC hosts workshops together with partners including the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship at Brown University. For companies pursuing joint US-Israel R&D projects.
- Coffee Rush Hour Quarterly virtual business affair program connecting Rhode Island and Israel businesses with updates on innovation and economics. For business members and prospective partners in both regions.
- Israeli Gamechangers Program highlighting Israeli companies and innovators making an impact, featuring speakers from the Israeli tech sector. For business members and the broader Rhode Island business community interested in Israeli innovation.
- Rhode Island-Israel BlueTech Startup Competition Startup competition connecting blue tech ecosystems between Ashdod, Israel and Newport, Rhode Island, with prizes including cash and trips to partner countries. For early-stage companies in blue economy, marine robotics, and aquaculture.
- Little States, Big Innovation Web Series Web series showcasing innovation and business opportunities between Rhode Island and Israel. For businesses, entrepreneurs, and the general public interested in bilateral opportunities.
- BlueTech & Aquaculture Committee Industry committee focused on sustainable blue economy growth through Rhode Island-Israel collaboration in marine robotics, offshore energy, blue biotechnology, and aquaculture. For companies and researchers in the blue economy.
- HealthCare Committee Committee focused on healthcare and life sciences collaboration between Rhode Island and Israel, including medical research partnerships, healthcare missions, and physician exchanges. Co-chaired by Dr. Alex Cutler and Dr. May-Tal Sauerbrun Cutler. For hospitals, medical schools, and healthcare companies.
- Rhode Island Virtual Trade Mission Virtual trade mission program facilitating business connections between Rhode Island and Israeli companies. For businesses and entrepreneurs seeking cross-border introductions.
Quantifiable outcome
- BIRD Foundation funding available up to $1M per joint US-Israel project
Companies that use Rhode Island Israel Collaborative
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Rhode Island Israel Collaborative technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Rhode Island Israel Collaborative partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Brown University HealthcoreMajor Rhode Island healthcare system hosting landmark medical collaboration agreements with Israeli institutions, including the May 2026 healthcare collaboration event honoring Israeli-American physicians.
- Ben Gurion UniversitycoreIsraeli university that signed a cooperation agreement with Rhode Island in November 2019 during Governor Gina Raimondo's trade mission to Israel.
- Innovate NewportcoreCoworking space and innovation hub that co-hosts BlueTech startup competitions and BIRD Foundation workshops with RIIC, supporting the blue economy connection between Rhode Island and Israel.
- Greater Newport Chamber of CommercecoreNearly 1,100-member chamber of commerce collaborating on BlueTech competitions and the International Innovations Series to bridge Rhode Island and Israeli markets.
- HUBASHDOD (Ashdod Innovation Hub)coreIsraeli technological entrepreneurship hub in Ashdod, ranked 6th in Israel's ecosystem by StartupBlink in 2020. Co-organizes the BlueTech Startup Competition with RIIC and Innovate Newport.
- Consulate General of Israel to New EnglandcoreIsraeli diplomatic mission co-sponsoring RIIC events including the Israel Travel Fair and BlueTech competitions, providing government-level support for bilateral relations.
- Roger Williams UniversityminorHost institution for International Aquaculture Conference (June 2024) and site of Blue Revolution sustainable aquaculture event.
- Nelson Center for EntrepreneurshipminorBrown University's entrepreneurship center co-hosting BIRD Foundation workshops with RIIC.
- Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode IslandminorJewish community organization co-hosting the Israel Travel Fair with RIIC.
- Israeli Chamber of CommerceminorFederation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce referenced for business opportunities in Israel.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Rhode Island Israel Collaborative competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Massachusetts-Israel Chamber of Commerce: New England–based bilateral chamber connecting Massachusetts and Israel, with comparable programming around trade missions, startup matchmaking, and member tiers. Closest geographic peer given Rhode Island's location and shared New England business ecosystem.
- Israel-America Chamber of Commerce: Israel-side American chamber of commerce focused on facilitating bilateral US–Israel business ties, including trade missions, B2B matchmaking, and member services. Most structurally analogous to RIIC in mission and operating model, but anchored in Israel at national scale rather than US state-level.
- American-Israel Chamber of Commerce (AICC Chicago): Long-running bilateral chamber fostering B2B trade, investment, and R&D partnerships between Midwestern US firms and Israeli companies. Comparable service model with program-based member engagement around bilateral deal-making.
Others
- BIRD Foundation: Binational US–Israel R&D funding foundation providing the grants (up to $1M) that RIIC helps members access. Not a peer but an enabling partner whose continued operation is the economic engine behind much of RIIC's value proposition.
- Jewish Federation of Greater Rhode Island: Regional Jewish communal organization that co-hosts Israel-related events with RIIC. Thematically aligned around Israel engagement and has overlapping membership demographics, though its mission is broader community/welfare rather than trade facilitation.
Broad incumbents
- New England–Israel Business Council: Regional business council covering all of New England and Israel. Operates in overlapping geography and segments but at a broader, multi-state scale rather than the sub-state RI-specific scope of RIIC.
- Start-Up Nation Central: Israeli nonprofit addressing a similar mission of connecting global (including US) businesses to Israeli innovation ecosystems. Operates at national Israeli scale with deeper technology-sector specialization than RIIC.
- America Israel Business Council (AIBL): National US-based nonprofit promoting US–Israel commerce and investment. Substitutable to RIIC for companies seeking a bilateral platform but operates at US nationwide scale with broader advocacy footprint.
Regional players
- Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce: Local Rhode Island chamber (1,100+ members) collaborating closely with RIIC on bilateral programming. Comparable membership model and regional trade-association mission, but without the Israel bilateral specialization.
Emerging players
- Consulate General of Israel to New England — Economic Mission: Israeli diplomatic mission that co-sponsors RIIC events and runs its own economic programming across New England. Adjacent in mission (facilitating US–Israel business activity) but governmental rather than nonprofit membership-driven.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Rhode Island Israel Collaborative social profiles
Digital presenceRhode Island Israel Collaborative financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Rhode Island Israel Collaborative leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Rhode Island Israel Collaborative funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Rhode Island Israel Collaborative M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Rhode Island Israel Collaborative
What does Rhode Island Israel Collaborative do?
RIIC is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) chamber of commerce that fosters trade, business, academic exchange, and research between Rhode Island and Israel. It delivers this through six tiered annual membership levels ($30 Student to $50,000 Platinum), recurring programs such as the Aquaculture Conference, Coffee Rush Hour, Israeli Gamechangers, Rhode Island-Israel BlueTech Startup Competition, Little States Big Innovation Web Series, and Rhode Island Virtual Trade Mission, alongside sector-specific committees (BlueTech & Aquaculture Committee, HealthCare Committee). The organization also connects member companies to BIRD Foundation grants of up to $1,000,000 for joint US-Israel development projects.
Is Rhode Island Israel Collaborative a public or private company?
Rhode Island Israel Collaborative is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Rhode Island Israel Collaborative founded?
Rhode Island Israel Collaborative was founded in 2017. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Rhode Island Israel Collaborative based?
Rhode Island Israel Collaborative is headquartered in Providence, United States, in the North America region.
How does Rhode Island Israel Collaborative make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are event Revenue.
Who are Rhode Island Israel Collaborative's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Massachusetts-Israel Chamber of Commerce, Israel-America Chamber of Commerce and American-Israel Chamber of Commerce (AICC Chicago). Others are BIRD Foundation and Jewish Federation of Greater Rhode Island. Broad incumbents are New England–Israel Business Council, Start-Up Nation Central and America Israel Business Council (AIBL). Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is listed as a regional player. Consulate General of Israel to New England — Economic Mission is listed as an emerging player.
Does Rhode Island Israel Collaborative have an API?
No public API is recorded for Rhode Island Israel Collaborative.