Polaris Tech Bridge was proud to sponsor and support the Blue Innovation Symposium, hosted by Blue Venture Forum at the Wyndham Newport Hotel in Middletown, RI, from February 9 to February 12, 2026. In its 11th year, this annual event brings over 400 maritime technology industry professionals together for educational, networking, and partnership opportunities.
Throughout the event, Polaris Tech Bridge (formerly 401 Tech Bridge) showcased its new branding. The transition to Polaris Tech Bridge ties to the Polaris family of brands, including Polaris MEP, and reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting Rhode Island and southeastern New England’s technology companies involved in national defense, dual-use, and blue technologies.
Polaris Tech Bridge also took the stage to discuss topics important to the maritime community. Christian Cowan, Executive Director of Polaris, joined a panel titled, “Regional Collaboration in the Blue Economy.” Along with Jen Downing, Executive Director, New Bedford Ocean Cluster; Sam Watters, Senior Program Manager, Offshore Wind, Mass Clean Energy Center; and Mark Parsons, Executive Director and Founder, New Bedford Research & Robotics, panelists voiced their opinions on the importance of New England states working together to offer a variety of opportunities, resources, and services to the maritime industry.
“There are more than 8,000 participating organizations in the regional area involved in dual use ecosystems. The economic opportunity needs to cross borders. This geographic area is very unique, and we need to take advantage of it,” said Christian Cowan.”
Specifically, Rhode Island’s role, potential, opportunities, and vision for Maritime Innovation was described in the working draft of the 2025 State of Southern New England Defense and Dual-Use Technology Ecosystem in Rhode Island report recently released by Polaris Tech Bridge. This data-driven report reflects insights from Polaris Tech Bridge and its partners, including key collaborators within the Department of Defense.
The last panel, “From Demonstration to Workforce: How Ocean Technology is Shaping Talent Demand,” was presented by Polaris Tech Bridge and moderated for the organization by Linda Larsen, Manager of Maritime and Industry Engagement. Panelists included Amy Grzybowski, Vice President of Workforce and Community Partnerships, New England Institute of Technology; Matt Morin, Co-Founder, Robobuoy; and Matt Parsons, Founder and CEO, New Bedford Research and Robotics. The panel explored how ocean technology demonstrations such as BlueTIDE are revealing real-time talent needs, how training programs are adapting, and what companies require to stay competitive.
These leaders from education, workforce development, and industry discussed how collaboration is shaping the future talent pipeline. “Innovation in ocean technology is accelerating faster than traditional workforce systems can adapt. Conversations like this are critical. Aligning the two is the only way we’re going to meet industry demand,” said Larsen.
Looking ahead, Polaris Tech Bridge is excited for our premier event, BlueTIDE, showcasing cutting-edge maritime and dual-use technologies through live, mission-driven demonstrations. BlueTIDE will take place in Newport, Rhode Island on Thursday, August 27, 2026.