New York Robotics adds Snorble CEO Mike Rizkalla as strategic advisor

New York Robotics named Snorble cofounder and CEO Mike Rizkalla as a strategic advisor on November 2, 2026, aiming to strengthen the tri-state region’s robotics network. The nonprofit says Rizkalla will help expand events, connect founders with investors and manufacturers, and speed up partnerships across the ecosystem.

Why it matters: - New York Robotics is trying to turn the New York tri-state area into a stronger robotics hub. - Rizkalla’s role is meant to add leadership, industry connections and operational momentum to that effort. - The nonprofit wants more programming, services and focused events as robotics growth accelerates locally and globally.

What happened: - New York Robotics announced that Mike Rizkalla joined the organization as Strategic Advisor on November 2, 2026. - Rizkalla is cofounder and CEO of Snorble. - New York Robotics describes itself as a nonprofit community connecting robotics founders, engineers, manufacturers and investors across the tri-state region.

The details: - Rizkalla has spent more than 20 years building technology companies and advising founders. - He has helped raise more than $150 million across his own ventures and the companies he has supported. - Rizkalla founded the digital agency Brave New World in 2006. - His work focuses on social robotics, consumer robotics and humanoids. - As Strategic Advisor, Rizkalla will work on New York Robotics’ strategic partner program. - His focus includes expanding events with technology companies, connecting founders with investors and manufacturers, and building tools to keep the community connected between gatherings. - New York Robotics says Rizkalla has already helped accelerate partnerships by improving events and using AI and automation tools to activate the New York Robotics platform. - Rizkalla said New York has the universities, manufacturing talent, capital and customers needed to become a robotics capital. - Rizkalla said New York Robotics has not yet had enough programming, services and focused events to keep pace with industry growth. - Rizkalla said he wants New York to lead on building physical AI and humanoids responsibly. - Rizkalla said his goal is to make New York the place where robotics companies want to start, build and grow. - New York Robotics is asking founders, engineers, investors and companies in the region to get involved. - Rizkalla’s appointment does not change his role at Snorble. - Rizkalla remains Snorble’s cofounder and CEO.

Between the lines: - New York Robotics is signaling a push from community building toward more structured ecosystem support. - Rizkalla’s background in consumer robotics and fundraising suggests the organization wants more than networking; it wants deal flow and execution. - The emphasis on ethical AI and humanoids points to a broader effort to shape how robotics grows in everyday settings.

What's next: - New York Robotics plans to use Rizkalla’s role to deepen partnerships and increase participation from the regional robotics community. - The organization will continue building its platform for startups, investors, manufacturers and researchers. - More events and partner programming are likely as New York Robotics expands its network.

The bottom line: - New York Robotics is betting that Rizkalla can help convert New York’s robotics assets into a more connected, more active and more competitive ecosystem. - More information: Learn more