BlueTIDE
BlueTIDE – Where Innovation Surfaces
BlueTIDE is an annual, high-impact technology demonstration event hosted by 401 Tech Bridge in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, NavalX, and the Northeast Tech Bridge. 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 Demonstrations: Companies participate in Navy-designed mission scenarios, demonstrate their technologies as they gain access to decision makers and participate in a $200K NETB Prize Challenge.
- Exhibits: Innovators from around the world showcase dual use solutions, 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 during BlueTIDE demonstrations is analyzed in real-time, providing immediate 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.
BlueTIDE exemplifies 401 Tech Bridge’s mission to accelerate the development and deployment of technologies that enhance maritime capabilities and national security.
Four Ways to Participate
BlueTIDE 2026
3rd Annual BlueTIDE to be scheduled for Summer 2026 in Newport, RI. Complete the form to receive event updates.
Attend
Increase visibility.
Attend BlueTIDE to see cutting-edge undersea and maritime technologies, network with innovators and potential funders, discover dual-use technologies for commercial and defense markets, and experience live demonstrations of autonomous systems, sensors, and communication solutions.
Exhibit
Generate interest.
Exhibit at BlueTIDE to showcase your technology from a table. Some exhibitors may have an opportunity to pitch to an audience that includes investors, industry, and the U.S. military. Other exhibitors may have a chance to perform in-water demonstration that aren’t part of the mission designed by our military partners.
Demonstrate
Showcase innovation.
Demonstrate your cutting-edge maritime or undersea technology as part of a mission developed by our military partners. BlueTIDE is the premier venue for connecting with military and civilian decision makers alike as you gain recognition, build trust, and stand out from the crowd. You won’t find this at a regular tradeshow.
Sponsor
Gain authority.
Sponsor BlueTIDE to elevate your brand and signal your commitment to advancing dual use technologies. A BlueTIDE sponsorship puts your brand in a front a large, targeted audience, increasing name recognition and expanding your reach to potential customers and partners. It’s a powerful platorm for making connections that count.
Highlights from 2025
Attendees
Ocean Data
Mission Participants
Showcase Companies
Countries Represented
Funding Committed
2025 Highlights
2025 NETB Prize Challenge
The BlueTIDE NETB Prize Challenge is a multi-phase competition by the Northeast Tech Bridge (NETB) to find and fund advanced technology solutions. Companies with top-scoring technologies can receive prize money, with winners at the 2025 BlueTIDE event awarded a total of $200,000 for their innovations in underwater critical infrastructure protection.
In-Water Demonstrations
The in-water demonstrations that play 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.
With direct observation by defense, Navy, and industry stakeholders, companies gain invaluable feedback, visibility, and the chance to prove how their technology performs in mission-critical settings.
Participation not only strengthens credibility- it opens doors to new partnerships, funding opportunities, and accelerated pathways to deployment.
2025 Participants
