BlueTide 2026
BlueTIDE is an annual, high-impact technology demonstration event hosted by Polaris Tech Bridge (formerly 401 Tech Bridge) in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport. Held in Newport, Rhode Island, BlueTIDE is the premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge maritime and dual-use technologies through live, mission-driven demonstrations.
Key Features of BlueTIDE:
In-Water Demonstration: Selected companies participate in a collaborative integration scenario, designed with DoD input, and demonstrate their technologies as they gain access to key decision makers and receive evaluation feedback from DoD representatives.
Showcase Alley: Innovators from around the world present dual use solutions, through static displays or shoreside, hands-on testing (separate from the in-water demonstration), attracting interest from potential customers and partners – including investors.
Networking: Department of Defense officials, industry leaders, investors, and academic researchers are ready to connect and collaborate with event participants.
Data Collection and Analysis: The data that’s generated during BlueTIDE’s Collaborative Integrated Opportunity will provide feedback and validation of technological capabilities.
Funding: BlueTIDE has been instrumental in helping participating companies secure capital funding and grants to support the advancement and commercialization of their technologies. Additionally, selected In-Water Demonstration participants may be eligible for funding support.
BlueTIDE exemplifies Polaris Tech Bridge’s mission to accelerate the development and deployment of technologies that enhance maritime capabilities and national security.
View of Sail Newport from Drone
Expanding to a two-day experience, BlueTIDE 2026 is designed to accelerate innovation from a focused technical experimentation to a live operational demonstration.
August 26, 2026
Day One: Mission Driven Experimentation (Closed Event)
Day 1 of this 2 day event begins on Aug. 26, 2026 at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) and will feature a unique, mission-focused, in-water experiment for a limited audience.
August 27, 2026
Day Two: Live Demonstration & Collaboration (Open Event)
Innovators, operators, decision makers, and investors will convene at Sail Newport in Newport, Rhode Island, for a full day of real world demonstration, collaboration, and discovery.
BlueTIDE 2026 Collaborative Integration Opportunity
BlueTIDE 2026 will include four preliminary virtual qualifying demonstration events followed by a culminating Collaborative Integration Opportunity event on 27 August 2026 in Newport, RI.
The Collaborative Integration Opportunity that plays out at BlueTIDE provides companies with a rare opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities and technology integration within a developed maritime mission scenario. This dynamic environment allows technologies to be tested and validated in real-time, under realistic operational conditions. It’s an ideal setting for showcasing autonomous systems, sensors, communications platforms, and other dual-use solutions in action.
Technical Focus Areas to include:
Multi-Domain Autonomous Systems (UxS)
Counter UxS and Defensive Autonomous Capabilities
Maritime and Undersea Domain Awareness Technologies
Modeling, Simulation, and Digital Mission Environments
With direct observation by defense, Navy, and industry stakeholders, companies gain invaluable feedback, visibility, and the chance to prove how their technology would perform in a mission critical setting. Participation not only strengthens credibility – it also opens doors to new partnerships, funding opportunities, and accelerated pathways to deployment.
Interested companies must submit an application and supporting documentation by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 28 May 2026.
Register Here:
https://401techbridge.org/bluetide/