Florida Atlantic University and Blue Ops , a maritime division of Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: 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.
“This is precisely the kind of strategic partnership that can amplify the strengths of both organizations,” said FAU President Adam Hasner. “Florida Atlantic brings the world-class oceanographic resources of Harbor Branch, expertise in autonomous systems and national defense, and a talented pipeline of students and researchers. Blue Ops brings advanced maritime technologies and strong connections to the defense industry. Together, we can move research from the lab to real-world applications, provide students with meaningful opportunities and extend the impact of innovation developed at Florida Atlantic, creating lasting benefits for our region, state and nation.”
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.
“Partnering with Florida Atlantic University gives Blue Ops an opportunity to advance our uncrewed surface vessels, develop and test new maritime technologies, and help build the skilled workforce needed as autonomous systems become more central to maritime operations,” said Barry Hinckley, president of Blue Ops. “Harbor Branch brings together engineers, scientists, students and industry in an environment where technologies can be tested in the real-world maritime conditions for which they are designed. By working alongside FAU researchers and supporting its educational mission, we can help prepare both the talent and technologies needed to strengthen America’s maritime capabilities.”
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.
FAU has decades of expertise in autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, sensing and marine technologies, increasingly supporting national defense and security. 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 partnership is a natural extension of what Harbor Branch has done for decades; bringing scientists, engineers and technology developers together to solve complex ocean challenges,” said Jason Hallstrom, Ph.D., interim executive director of FAU Harbor Branch. “Having Blue Ops here connects industry with our researchers, facilities and students, accelerating innovation while providing valuable real-world experience and workforce development opportunities for the next generation of engineers and scientists.”
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.
“Palm Beach County is at the forefront of technology, and partnerships like this show how our region’s assets can come together to create new opportunities,” said Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the BDB. “Florida Atlantic’s research expertise, talent pipeline and focus on national defense and autonomous systems make it a strong partner for technology companies. Bringing Blue Ops to Harbor Branch further connects research, industry and workforce development and strengthens the Palm Beaches as a hub for advanced technology.”
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.
- FAU -
About Florida Atlantic University:
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, Florida Atlantic 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. Florida Atlantic continues to advance its position as Florida’s first quantum university, integrating research, education and industry partnerships around next-generation computing technologies. Through other signature strengths in neuroscience and healthy aging, environmental, ocean and coastal innovation, and national defense and autonomous systems, Florida Atlantic expands knowledge, fuels economic opportunity and fulfills its mission as South Florida’s hometown university.
About Red Cat:
Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a U.S. based provider of advanced all domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security. Through its integrated portfolio of trusted U.S. and allied hardware and software offerings, Red Cat supports military, government, and public safety operations across air, land, sea and space. Its systems span small unmanned aircraft systems, uncrewed surface vessels, wireless power transfer technology, and autonomous swarming software to enhance situational awareness, operational effectiveness, and mission safety. Learn more at www.redcat.red .