Driving Innovation: High-Tech Companies and Jobs in Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth has long been defined by its deep maritime roots, but today the city’s economic identity is increasingly shaped by a powerful blend of advanced manufacturing, life sciences and technology-driven innovation.
Three organizations in particular – Novocure, Albany International and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard – illustrate how both private industry and federal institutions are investing in the region’s future while creating meaningful career pathways and strengthening community ties.
Together, they are creating competitive jobs in Portsmouth, NH, establishing meaningful career pathways and strengthening community ties.
Novocure: Pioneering Global Oncology Innovation from Downtown Portsmouth
For Novocure, a global oncology company known for its pioneering cancer treatment technology, Portsmouth has been home for nearly two decades.
“Novocure has maintained a presence in the Portsmouth area since 2006, and our footprint has steadily grown as the company has expanded both its U.S. operations and its global role in oncology innovation,” says Mike Ambrogi, senior technology fellow at Novocure.
That long-term commitment was recently reinforced with the opening of Novocure’s new downtown headquarters.
“Our new downtown headquarters represents a long-term investment by Novocure in both our people and the Portsmouth community,” Ambrogi says. “The space was intentionally designed to support collaboration, innovation and growth across multiple functions.”
More than just office space, the headquarters includes collaborative workstations and community gathering areas that allow Novocure to host partners, policymakers and local organizations. According to Ambrogi, the design reflects the company’s view of its role in the region.
“We wanted a space that supports not only how our teams work, but also how we engage with the broader community,” he explains.
Portsmouth’s appeal as a business hub extends beyond real estate. Portsmouth offers a unique combination of talent access, quality of life and strong connectivity to Boston and the broader Northeast innovation corridor, Ambrogi says.
“Just as importantly, it’s a place where employees want to build their careers and their lives,” he says. “That matters tremendously for retention and long-term growth.”
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard: A 225-Year Industrial Powerhouse and Top Employer
While Novocure represents the modern, clinical side of the Portsmouth, NH economy, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) stands as one of the region’s most enduring institutions. Established in June 1800, the shipyard has played a continuous role in U.S. naval operations for over 225 years.
Since the 1960s, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has carried out a mission focused on the overhaul, repair and modernization of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines, says Jeremy Lambert, spokesperson and public affairs officer for the shipyard.
“Today, PNSY is America’s leader in attack submarine maintenance and modernization,” he says.
The shipyard employs approximately 6,800 civilian workers across more than 20 skilled trades, engineering groups, quality assurance and support teams. These employees work on submarines that can remain in service for more than 30 years, updating systems to meet modern technology standards and ensuring operational readiness.
Like Novocure, PNSY places strong emphasis on professional growth, and community impact is equally significant. PNSY’s STEM outreach program connects with students from kindergarten through college, introducing young people to career possibilities in science and engineering.
“In fiscal year 2025, our STEM program impacted nearly 36,000 students, parents and educators,” Lambert says. “Most of them live within commuting distance of the shipyard.”
Albany International: Relocating Corporate Operations to Pease International Tradeport
Adding an extra, dynamic dimension to Portsmouth’s economic boom is Albany International Corp. As a global leader in advanced materials science, the company serves both the commercial paper and aerospace industries.
The company recently relocated its corporate headquarters from nearby Rochester, New Hampshire, to Portsmouth, citing the city’s strong business environment and strategic location. Rochester continues to house Albany Engineered Composites, which is key to the company’s advancements in aerospace technology.
“This move represents a transformative step forward for our company,” said CEO Gunnar Kleveland in a recent news release. “Portsmouth offers an ideal environment for our employees, our business and our future growth.”
The brand-new headquarters facility at the Pease International Tradeport features an open, collaborative workspace and premium employee amenities. This corporate relocation strengthens Albany International’s regional partnerships while serving as a global hub. It also serves as a global hub, bringing together leadership from Albany facilities worldwide and the team at Albany Engineered Composites in Rochester to drive the innovation essential to the company’s growth.
Together, Novocure, Albany International and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard share a long-term commitment to workforce development, community engagement and sustained investment in the Portsmouth region. Their combined presence demonstrates how a city and region rooted in history can continue to evolve into a dynamic epicenter of innovation, opportunity and economic resilience.
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