Applications are now open for the BlueTIDE 2026 Collaborative Integration Opportunity, a centerpiece of the annual maritime technology demonstration event returning to Newport this summer, Polaris Tech Bridge announced Wednesday.
BlueTIDE, hosted by the nonprofit formerly known as 401 Tech Bridge, is designed to accelerate the development and deployment of maritime and dual-use technologies by bringing together Department of Defense leaders, industry innovators, investors and researchers for live, mission-driven demonstrations.
The 2026 event will expand to a two-day format on Aug. 26 and 27. The first day will feature a closed, in-water technical experiment at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, focused on mission-specific scenarios for a limited audience. The second day will open the event to the public in Newport, giving innovators a chance to participate in real-world demonstrations and connect with key stakeholders.
The Collaborative Integration Opportunity sits at the heart of the event. Selected companies will demonstrate how their technologies integrate across maritime, air and land environments, showcasing capabilities in sensing, communications, autonomy and defense as part of a coordinated mission focused on port security and cross-domain awareness.
“BlueTIDE provides a rare opportunity for companies to validate their technologies in real-world conditions while gaining direct feedback from defense and industry leaders,” said Linda Larsen, manager of maritime and industry engagement at Polaris Tech Bridge. “It’s not just a demonstration — it’s a catalyst for partnerships, funding, and accelerated deployment.”
Organizers are seeking companies developing technologies in four focus areas: multi-domain autonomous systems, counter-UxS and defensive autonomous capabilities, maritime and undersea domain awareness technologies, and modeling, simulation and digital mission environments.
The 2026 series will include four preliminary virtual qualification events in June, with top-performing companies advancing to the in-water Collaborative Integration Opportunity on Aug. 27. Technologies will be evaluated based on maturity, relevance and their ability to contribute to a unified operational environment.
Polaris Tech Bridge said selected companies gain direct access to Department of Defense decision-makers, real-time evaluation in operational conditions, opportunities for funding and investment, and pathways to partnerships and commercialization.
Applications and supporting documentation are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 22. More information is available at polaristechbridge.org/bluetide.
Polaris Tech Bridge is a Rhode Island-based nonprofit focused on advancing dual-use and blue technology companies by connecting innovators with industry, government and academic partners. BlueTIDE is hosted in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport.
