Florida Atlantic University Partners with Blue Ops for Maritime Technology Hub

BOCA RATON, Fla., Oct. 2, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Florida Atlantic University and Blue Ops, a maritime division of Red Cat Holdings, Inc., have formed a strategic partnership that will bring uncrewed maritime systems operations to FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce. This collaboration aims to create a hub for research, development, testing, training, and collaboration in ocean technology, autonomous systems, and national defense.

The partnership will be based at FAU's Harbor Branch, a secure, 144-acre, deep-water port that 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.

Florida Atlantic University is one of the nation's fastest-rising public research universities, serving more than 32,000 students in South Florida. Ranked among the Top 100 Public Universities by U.S. News & World Report, the university is also one of only 13 institutions nationwide to hold Carnegie Foundation designations for R1 research, opportunity, and community engagement. Guided by its strategic plan, "2031FAU: Where Tomorrow Begins," the university is focused on delivering career-ready education and experiential learning, driving scholarly inquiry that creates healthier, safer, and more prosperous communities, strengthening institutional excellence, and elevating its impact across South Florida and beyond.

At FAU Harbor Branch, Michael Twardowski, Ph.D., the Edwin A. Link Ocean Technology and Defense Endowed Professor and director of the Center for Marine Applied Technology and Engineering, has spent more than 30 years advancing optical sensing, underwater imaging, and autonomous marine systems through research with the U.S. Office of Naval Research. This expertise will complement Blue Ops' work, creating a robust environment for innovation and collaboration.

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.

Florida Atlantic University and Blue Ops are committed to pursuing joint research, engineering, and testing, workforce development, internships, graduate opportunities, and technology demonstrations focused on maritime autonomy, ocean technology, and national defense.