Blue Ops to Bring Uncrewed Maritime Systems to FAU Harbor Branch

Blue Ops to Bring Uncrewed Maritime Systems to FAU Harbor Branch

From left, Ryan Britton, FAU vice president for government relations and economic development; Barry Hinckley; president, Blue Ops; FAU President Adam Hasner; and Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO, Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. (Photo by Alex Dolce)

Florida Atlantic University and Blue Ops, a maritime division of Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (RCAT), have established a strategic partnership that will bring the company’s uncrewed maritime systems operations to FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce, creating a hub for research, development, testing, training and collaboration in ocean technology, autonomous systems and national defense.

The partnership brings together complementary capabilities in a setting uniquely suited to maritime technology development. FAU Harbor Branch is a secure, 144-acre, deep-water port and provides access to the ocean, waterfront infrastructure, marine scientists and engineers, specialized equipment and decades of experience developing technologies for challenging ocean environments. Blue Ops will bring expertise in uncrewed surface vessels, maritime autonomy, mission systems and open architectures

The Fort Pierce location will support Blue Ops’ research and development in ocean technology, autonomous systems and national defense, including engineering, testing and evaluation; land- and water-based demonstrations; personnel training; and equipment maintenance and support. The partnership also creates opportunities for joint research, graduate scholarships, paid internships, outreach, and shared use of specialized scientific equipment and support services.

The partnership aligns with FAU’s research emphasis on national defense and autonomous systems, one of four Areas of Research Emphasis in the university’s 2026-31 strategic plan. Through its Autonomous Systems Initiative, FAU brings together faculty across colleges and institutes to advance research, education and workforce development across air, ground, underground, surface and underwater environments.

The partnership also reflects the important role of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB) in helping to bring Blue Ops to the region. The BDB is the county’s economic development organization focused on attracting and retaining businesses.

As Blue Ops establishes its presence at Harbor Branch, the partners will pursue joint research, engineering and testing, workforce development, internships, graduate opportunities and technology demonstrations focused on maritime autonomy, ocean technology and national defense.