History. Innovation. Social Impact

New Bedford was once one of the richest ports in the world, founded by Quaker patricians upon a flourishing global whaling industry, which brought people from all over the world to its shores, and became fertile ground for social reform movements and civil rights.

From whaling to textiles to commercial fishing, New Bedford has reinvented itself throughout its rich history. However, since the great depression New Bedford has struggled to regain its prominent place in the global economy.

New Bedford, like most post-industrial cities, has been buffeted by winds of global economic change and depleted by the flight of talent and capital in a handful of large metropolitan areas, causing the economic base to shrink and become less diverse and dynamic.

We at NBRR believe now is the time for another renaissance fueled by frontier technologies, which are driving the 4th industrial revolution. The use of robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and data-driven technologies can diversify the city’s commercial and industrial base, and catapult New Bedford to a place of global economic consequence, driven by data, real-world technological application, and creative class innovation.

New Bedford is a prime location for regeneration with a deep water port well-positioned to foster innovation in blue tech, renewable energy, and robotics.