There’s a shift that happens when ideas leave the screen and hit the water.
That’s exactly what’s coming up at BlueTIDE 2026. After a round of virtual qualification demonstrations, a group of companies has been selected to move forward to the live, in-water demonstrations happening August 27 in Newport, Rhode Island.
This next phase—the Collaborative Integration Opportunity—is where things get real. Technologies won’t just be presented; they’ll be put to work in a mission-driven maritime scenario shaped with input from the Department of Defense. It’s a chance to see how these systems perform when it matters, alongside other technologies, in an environment that reflects real-world conditions.
The companies advancing represent a wide range of capabilities tied to maritime and national security priorities. You’ll see work across autonomous systems, counter-UxS and defensive technologies, maritime domain awareness, modeling and simulation, and enabling technologies. It’s a mix of early-stage innovation and more mature solutions, all moving toward practical application.
Here’s who’s moving on:
Autonomous Systems
Cleo Robotics
HonuWorx
Orpheus Ocean
Poseidon’s Forge
Rom Innovation and Development LLC (dba Tactical Composities)
Voltaic Marine
Counter UxS
Jaia with Xtreme Sonar
SEACORP, LLC
Allen Control Systems
Spear AI
Hydronet with Sofar
BlueIQ
Awareness Systems
Ocean State Sensing with Robobuoy
Persistent Systems, LLC
Juice Robotics with Nautilus Defense
Sedna Robotics
Apeiron Labs
Systematic Inc.
Khasm Labs (5G Open Innovation Lab)
Modeling & Simulation
Coastal Measures
Current Lab
Robosys RI Inc.
Fathom Science
Redshred
Enabling Technologies
Safran Federal Systems
Kägwerks with Domo Tactical Communications (DTC)
Kyberdyne Systems
“Advancing to the live demonstration is a significant milestone,” said Matt Watson, Center Director at Polaris Tech Bridge. “These companies have already distinguished themselves through rigorous evaluation, and we’re looking forward to seeing how their technologies perform in a fully integrated environment.”
BlueTIDE has quickly become a draw for defense, industry, and academic leaders who are focused on getting critical technologies out of development and into use. Organizations like the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport, along with industry partners like Anduril Industries, will be part of the event again this year.
And it’s not just for those directly involved in the demonstrations.
The public is invited to attend the live demonstration day at Sail Newport on August 27. It’s an opportunity to see what’s happening in Rhode Island’s defense and maritime innovation space up close. Last year, more than 650 people attended, representing four countries and 50+ companies. Register to attend today!
For companies that want to be part of BlueTIDE but aren’t participating in the in-water demo, there are still ways to get involved. Showcase Alley offers space to exhibit technologies and connect with attendees, and sponsorship opportunities are also available. Registration for Showcase Alley ends July 13.
Whether you’re building, investing, or just curious about what’s next in maritime technology, BlueTIDE is worth keeping on your radar.
Learn more or register at: polaristechbridge.com/bluetide