Building success together, with the partners who shape our work.
VR Industries is built on relationships, with our customers, our employees, and the broader manufacturing community. For nearly four decades, we have invested in partnerships that strengthen Rhode Island’s manufacturing base, support the next generation of engineers and technicians, and connect us to the industries we serve.
Why We Partner
To strengthen the regional manufacturing base and the broader U.S. electronics manufacturing community
To support workforce development, technical education, and the engineering pipeline our industry depends on
To stay connected to the industries, standards, and policies shaping our customers' work
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Have a question about our manufacturing capabilities, partnerships, or how we work with customers in your industry? Our team is ready to help.
01 / Industry
Industry & Trade Associations
VR Industries is an active participant in the trade associations representing the people and policies driving electronic contract manufacturing forward. These memberships keep us connected to industry trends, regulatory developments, and the peer relationships that make the manufacturing community strong.
Rhode Island Manufacturers Association
RIMA is the unified voice of Rhode Island’s manufacturing sector, advocating legislative, regulatory, and workforce issues alongside its sister organization, the Rhode Island Manufacturing Institute (RIMI). VR Industries is an active member, contributing to industry wide initiatives that strengthen the state’s manufacturing base.
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Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance
A defense industry alliance supporting national security innovation and workforce development. VR Industries collaborates with SENEDIA to engage in defense sector opportunities and strengthen regional supply chain capabilities.
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Reshoring Initiative
The Reshoring Initiative works to bring manufacturing back to the United States by helping companies recognize the true cost and strategic value of domestic production. VR Industries supports this as a U.S.-based electronic contract manufacturer providing the high-complexity, low-volume capability that reshoring depends on.
VISIT WEBSITE02 / Region
Economic Development & Regional Initiatives
Strong manufacturing depends on strong regional infrastructure, from workforce training to operational support to industry-specific economic strategy. VR Industries works closely with the public and private organizations investing in Rhode Island’s manufacturing future.
Polaris MEP
Rhode Island’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Polaris MEP provides operations consulting, training, and continuous improvement support to manufacturers across the state. VR Industries collaborates with Polaris MEP on programs that strengthen our processes, our quality systems, and our team’s expertise.
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RI Apex Accelerator
Supports businesses in navigating government contracting and procurement opportunities. Through guidance on compliance, certifications, and bidding processes, Apex helps connect VR Industries with public sector opportunities and defense-related projects.
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Rhode Island Life Science Hub
Focused on advancing the life sciences ecosystem in Rhode Island, the Hub connects companies with funding, talent, and research resources. VR Industries partners with the Hub to support emerging biotech and medical device companies with scalable manufacturing solutions.
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RI Office of Energy Resources
Leads Rhode Island’s energy policy and programs, promoting clean energy and efficiency initiatives statewide. Collaboration supports opportunities in energy-related technologies and sustainable manufacturing efforts.
VISIT WEBSITE03 / Workforce
Educational & Workforce Partners
The future of U.S. electronics manufacturing depends on the people entering the industry today. VR Industries invests in educational partnerships across Rhode Island, from technical high schools to research universities, to help build the engineering and skilled-trade pipeline our industry needs.
- Technical and career education at the high school and community college level
- Engineering and applied science programs at private and public universities
- Research and innovation networks shaping the broader regional talent base
Rhode Island College
A public institution committed to workforce development and education. VR Industries partners with RIC to support student engagement, internships, and talent pipeline development.
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Bryant University
A leading business-focused university with strong programs in management and innovation. The partnership provides opportunities for student collaboration, internships, and applied business projects.
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University of Rhode Island
URI is the state’s flagship public research university and a major source of engineering and technical talent in southern New England. VR Industries engages with URI to support internship pipelines, applied research collaborations, and recruiting pathways that help us maintain the engineering depth required for complex, high-reliability manufacturing.
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Brown University
A leading research university with depth in engineering, applied mathematics, and biomedical sciences. VR Industries connects with Brown to engage emerging innovators and support the translation of research-stage technologies into manufacturable products.
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New England Institute of Technology
A hands-on technical university with programs in electronics, engineering technology, and advanced manufacturing. NEIT’s applied curriculum closely mirrors the skills VR Industries relies on, making it a natural partner for internships and direct workforce pipeline development.
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Community College of Rhode Island
CCRI is the state’s only public comprehensive community college providing accessible higher education and workforce training across multiple campuses. VR Industries supports CCRI’s role in preparing students for technical careers, recognizing community colleges as essential to a strong manufacturing workforce pipeline.
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Roger Williams University
A comprehensive university with programs spanning engineering, business, and the applied sciences. VR Industries engages with Roger Williams to foster student interest in manufacturing careers and support applied project opportunities that bridge academics with real-world production environments.
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Davies Career and Technical School
A Rhode Island vocational-technical school preparing students for careers in skilled trades and technology fields. VR Industries supports Davies as part of our commitment to building the next generation of manufacturing talent at the secondary level, creating early pathways into the industry.
VISIT WEBSITE04 / Innovation
Innovation, Technology & Industry Ecosystems
Polaris Tech Bridge
A regional hub for advancing defense, maritime, and advanced technologies, Polaris Tech Bridge works in alignment with Polaris MEP to strengthen New England manufacturing. Through involvement in initiatives like BlueTide, VR Industries connects with emerging innovations and supports their transition into scalable production.
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Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium
UTIC brings together industry, academia, and government to accelerate undersea technology innovation. VR Industries supports consortium members with precision electronics manufacturing for mission-critical applications.
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Blue Venture Forum
An organization focused on advancing ocean technology and innovation, Blue Venture Forum brings together investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Through events like the Blue Innovation Symposium, VR Industries engages with cutting-edge ocean tech companies and supports their path from concept to manufacturing.
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OceanTechHub
A regional innovation hub dedicated to advancing ocean technology and blue economy initiatives. VR Industries partners with OceanTechHub to support hardware development and manufacturing for ocean-focused startups and research organizations.
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New Bedford Ocean Cluster
A nonprofit driving innovation in the marine technology sector. Through this partnership, VR Industries supports companies developing ocean-based solutions with reliable electronics manufacturing.
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New England Medical Innovation Center
NEMIC Provides resources, mentorship, and development support for medical device startups. VR Industries partners with NEMIC to support companies in the medical field as they transition from prototyping to scalable production.
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05 / Business
Business, Funding & Entrepreneurial Networks
Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce
Supports local businesses through advocacy, networking, and economic development initiatives. VR Industries engages with the Chamber to build relationships and contribute to regional business growth.
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Innovate Newport
Innovation hub connecting entrepreneurs, technology, and industry partners to advance emerging ideas. VR Industries engages with Innovate Newport to build relationships with hardware ventures as they develop products ready for scalable manufacturing.
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CIC Providence
A collaborative workspace and innovation community supporting startups and entrepreneurs. VR Industries connects with early-stage companies through the CIC to help bring hardware products to market.
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BayCoast Bank
A regional financial institution providing lending and business banking solutions. Our partnership supports financial flexibility and growth opportunities for VR Industries and clients.
VISIT WEBSITEMore than affiliations. They are part of how we operate.
These relationships are part of how we operate, how we hire, and how we contribute to the long-term strength of U.S. electronics manufacturing. If you would like to learn more about how VR Industries works alongside our partners and our customers, our team is ready to talk.
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