More than 70 companies from five countries will bring maritime and defense technologies to Sail Newport on Thursday, Aug. 27, for the third annual BlueTIDE, an event organized by Polaris Tech Bridge.
The day opens with an in-water Collaborative Integration Opportunity from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., putting previously qualified technologies to work in a mission-driven maritime scenario shaped with input from the Department of Defense. Showcase Alley, shoreside demonstrations and networking run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by featured technology demonstrations from 2 to 4 p.m.
Awards follow at 4 p.m., with technical focus area prizes judged by Defense Department representatives, industry leaders and subject matter experts. A networking social runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Companies selected for Showcase Alley range from underwater robotics and ocean sensing firms to energy and imaging companies, including Bedrock Ocean Exploration, Kraken Robotics, Flux Marine, Pliant Energy Systems, MarineLabs Data Systems, Vatn Systems, REGENTCraft, Teledyne-adjacent suppliers and defense contractors such as Sigma Defense and Triton Systems. Selection was competitive, and some participants will also take part in one-on-one government office hours.
“These companies have developed technologies with tremendous potential, and this event gives them a chance to demonstrate those capabilities, engage directly with government and industry leaders, and build the relationships that can turn promising ideas into deployed solutions,” said Matt Watson, center director for Polaris.
Polaris Tech Bridge, formerly 401 Tech Bridge, is a nonprofit that works to move dual-use and blue technology companies from research into commercialization and government contracting.
General admission is free. Registration and details are at polaristechbridge.com/bluetide.
Anduril is the flagship sponsor. Other sponsors include Spear AI, Rhode Island Commerce, Teledyne Marine, Innovate Newport and Bank of America.
