Scouting
Our Scouting Services
Polaris supports two types of scouting engagements:
Technology Scouting
Technology scouting is the systematic process of identifying, evaluating, and connecting manufacturers with external technologies, innovations, or solutions that enhance or complement existing products, services, or processes. It involves monitoring the technology landscape, analyzing trends, and identifying practical opportunities for adoption, collaboration, or investment.
Supplier Scouting
Supplier scouting is a strategic approach to identifying and connecting with potential suppliers—particularly for hard-to-source items, specialized capabilities, or supply chain resilience. This approach goes beyond traditional sourcing by using data-driven methods and extensive networks to identify the best domestic matches.
Our Tech and Supplier Scouting process is designed to save time, reduce uncertainty, and help manufacturers make smarter decisions—faster.
Types of Challenges We Address
This service is designed for manufacturers seeking support with challenges such as:
- Improving a process or production line.
- Finding replacement suppliers or new sourcing options.
- Evaluating automation, digital tools, or advanced technologies.
- Solving quality, throughput, workforce, or operational challenges.
- Exploring research & development or strategic growth opportunities.
If your company has a challenge—but isn’t sure what solution exists—this is the right place to start.
Tell Us About Your Challenge
The more detail you provide, the better we can prepare for a productive follow-up.
Naval Shipyards Scouting
Polaris Tech Bridge supports U.S. Naval Shipyards in identifying and evaluating solutions to operational and sustainment challenges.
Working with Navy stakeholders, industry, and academia, this effort scans existing and emerging technologies, assesses readiness and applicability, and connects shipyards with qualified solution providers. The approach accelerates access to innovative, commercially available, and dual-use technologies—while ensuring alignment with shipyard requirements and mission needs.
Below are currently open challenges and recently closed engagements supported on behalf of U.S. Naval Shipyards.
These listings provide insight into the types of problems being explored, their status, and opportunities for future engagement.
If you have a solution aligned with one of these challenges, please complete the appropriate submission form to express interest or share your capabilities.
“The Tech Scout project I ran with 401 Tech Bridge yielded incredibly positive results. We were able to identify and evaluate a range of emerging companies that had the potential to revolutionize our industry. The insights and recommendations from this project not only provided me with a strategic edge but also allowed us to make informed decisions about partnerships and investments.”
Novel Fracking System
TECH SCOUTING: Seeking assistance to test a prototype and model the performance of a patented fracking system. Using downhole pulse technology to...
Plant Based PSA
SUPPLIER SCOUTING: Goal: Fully compostable, plant-based pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) that must withstand at least five cycles of unsealing and...
White Corrugated Box
SUPPLIER SCOUTING: Goal: White corrugated box that is printed on all sides. If interested in being considered, please complete the form below and a...