BlueTIDE 2026

Digital Program and Event Guide

Welcome to BlueTIDE 2026!

BlueTIDE 2026 is where breakthrough innovation meets real-world impact. As the premier undersea technology demonstration on the East Coast, BlueTIDE brings together leaders from defense, industry, and academia to experience the future of maritime and dual-use innovation – live, in action.

List of Participating Companies

    Showcase Alley

    Collaborative Integration Opportunity

    Autonomous Systems

    Counter UxS

    Awareness Systems

    Modeling & Simulation

    Enabling Technologies

    BlueTIDE Sponsors

    Flagship Sponsor:

    Anchor Sponsor:

    Navigator Sponsors:

    Harbor Sponsors:

      Agenda

      • 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM: BlueTIDE Select Exhibitor Setup
      • 9:00 AM:  Showcase Alley Exhibitor Setup
      • 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM: In-Water Collaborative Integration Opportunity
      • 10:30 AM: Attendee Registration Opens
      • 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM: Showcase Alley & Networking
      • 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: NUWC Pre-Scheduled 1:1 Office Hours
      • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Land Based & Shoreside Demonstrations
      • 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM: Multi-Domain Fleet Pass
      • 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Distinguished Speakers & Awards Ceremony
      • 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Networking Social

      BlueTIDE 2026 Schedule (Subject to Change)

      Featured Technology Demonstrations + Operational & Enabling Technologies

      These technologies have specific mission sets with start and end times.

      Location: Fort Adams Alofsin Pier

      Times and Participants: See Below

      9:00 AM – 9:40 AM | Coastal Surveillance & Harbor Defense

      Fixed sensor systems provide coastal surveillance and early detection of potential threats, while JAIA JBOTS demonstrate counter-UUV operations designed to help protect and defend the harbor.

      9:40 AM – 11:00 AM | Preparation of the Undersea Battlespace

      An unmanned surface vessel enters the operational area under autonomous control and deploys JAIA JBOTS to map the seabed and identify underwater objects, demonstrating coordinated surface and undersea operations.

      10:15 AM | Aerial SONAR Dip Operations

      An unmanned aerial system conducts SONAR dip operations, providing an airborne capability for detecting and identifying undersea activity.

      11:00 AM – 1:30 PM | Choke Point Surveillance & Interdiction

      Multiple autonomous and sensing technologies demonstrate how a strategic maritime chokepoint can be monitored, searched, and defended against surface, undersea, and aerial threats.

      11:00 AM | Autonomous Surface & Aerial Operations
      11:30 AM | Autonomous Undersea Operations & Interdiction
      12:15 PM | Undersea Sensing & Communications
      1:00 PM | Aerial SONAR Dip Operations

      An unmanned aerial system conducts SONAR dip operations, providing an airborne capability for detecting and identifying undersea activity.

      130 PM | Target of Opportunity Transmit

      Additional Operational & Enabling Technologies

      These technologies support the scheduled mission sets and are deployed throughout the operational area and across the demonstration environment. Instead of a single scheduled evolution, they span multiple demonstration periods and mission sets.

      Throughout the day, attendees can see sensing, communications, networking, data integration, modeling and simulation, situational awareness, and other enabling functions that connect and enhance the multi-domain demonstrations. 

      Location: Fort Adams Alofsin Pier

      Time: All Day (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

      Focus Areas and Participants: See Below

      Autonomy, Command & Mission Integration

      An AI-powered software platform that connects sensors, systems, and data to provide a unified operational picture and enable real-time coordination and decision-making across domains.

      Communications, Networking & Data Integration
      Modeling, Simulation & Mission Intelligence
      Undersea & Mission-Enabling Technologies

      Land Based and Shoreside Demonstrations

      Location: Sail Newport – Main Walkway / Dock

      Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM

      Start Times and Participants: See Below

      1:00 PM | Remote Undersea Vehicle Operation: Newport to Scotland – Table 13
      1:30 PM | Tethered Balloon Flight - Field across from Tent 1
      1:45 PM | Operational COP - Table 20
      2:00 PM | Battlespace Comms - Tables 2 & 3
      2:15 PM | Operational Forecasting - Table 28

      Multi-Domain Fleet Pass

      A culminating fleet pass brings together air, surface, and undersea unmanned systems featured throughout BlueTIDE, showcasing the breadth of multi-domain technologies operating across the demonstration area. 

      Location: Sail Newport – Main Walkway / Dock

      Time: 2:30 – 3:45 PM

      Awards, Speakers, and Networking Social

      A culminating fleet pass brings together air, surface, and undersea unmanned systems featured throughout BlueTIDE, showcasing the breadth of multi-domain technologies operating across the demonstration area.

      Location: Sail Newport – Main Walkway / Dock

      Times: See Below

      4:00 - 4:30 PM | Awards Ceremony & Distinguished Speakers

      Opening Remarks: Christian Cowan, Executive Director, URIRF

      • Senator Jack Reed
      • Congressman Gabe Amo
      • Congressman Seth Magaziner
      • Governor Dan McKee
      • Secretary Stefan Pryor
      • NUWC Technical Director Marie Bussier
      • Anduril Vice President James Buescher
      • Awards: Matt Watson and Linda Larsen
      4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Networking Social

      Network with your peers and enjoy refreshments.

      Tent 1: BlueTIDE Select & Sponsors

      Tent 2: Anduril Command Pavillion & Showcase Alley

      Tent 2 BlueTIDE 2026

      Tent 3: Showcase Alley & Networking Social

      Tent 3 BlueTIDE 2026

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

      What happens if it rains?

      The event will go on rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe.

      What is the address of the event?

      Sail Newport -72 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI  02840-4388

      What should I wear?

      Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes — the event is outdoors. We recommend layers, a raincoat, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.

      Is there parking available?

      Yes, free onsite parking is available across the street from Sail Newport building. Follow event signage.

      Where do I check in?

      After parking, go directly to the registration table. This event requires your registration and check in.

      Can I purchase food and drinks there?

      La Costa, Weiner Wagon and Amano Pizza food truck vendors will be onsite for lunch between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM.

      Can I bring a reusable water bottle?

      Yes. Sail Newport provides water refill stations at the facility for participants to fill reusable water bottles. This supports Sail Newport’s sustainability effort to reduce single use plastics.

      Will there be restrooms?

      Yes, restrooms are located in the Sail Newport building. Accessible units are available.

      Is the event wheelchair accessible?

      We aim to make the event accessible for everyone, but please note that the terrain may include grass, dirt, or uneven ground. If you need special assistance, contact us in advance.

      Is there access to Wi-Fi?

      Yes

      Can I attend the networking social?

      All registered participants can attend the networking session. There will be a cash bar for the event along with lite fare.

      Is there anything I need to bring?

      Driver’s license or an ID and cash for the cash bar.

      Who do I contact if I have more questions?

      Linda Larsen llarsen@polaristechbridge.org  401- 418-0600 or Lisa Willis lwillis@polarismep.org 401-954-9915