The Potomac Tech Bridge is a new initiative that aims to connect the U.S. Navy with industry and academia in the Washington D.C. area, to foster collaboration and innovation in naval technology. The Potomac Tech Bridge is part of the NavalX network of Tech Bridges, which are regional hubs that facilitate the rapid delivery of technology from the private sector to the frontlines.
What is the Potomac Tech Bridge?
The Potomac Tech Bridge is a partnership between the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD), the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), and the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The Potomac Tech Bridge leverages the expertise and facilities of these three naval organizations, as well as the proximity to the Pentagon, Congress, and other federal agencies, to create a unique innovation ecosystem in the nation’s capital.
The Potomac Tech Bridge was officially launched on December 8, 2023, with a virtual event that featured remarks from senior naval leaders, industry representatives, and academic partners. The event also showcased some of the ongoing projects and collaborations that the Potomac Tech Bridge supports, such as:
- The development of a low-cost, high-performance unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) that can operate in shallow and congested waters, using commercial off-the-shelf components and open-source software.
- The testing of a novel acoustic sensor that can detect and classify underwater threats, using machine learning and artificial intelligence.
- The demonstration of a 5G-enabled smart warehouse that can optimize the inventory and distribution of naval supplies, using edge computing and blockchain technology.
Why is the Potomac Tech Bridge important?
The Potomac Tech Bridge is important because it addresses some of the key challenges and opportunities that the U.S. Navy faces in the 21st century. These include:
- The need to adapt to the changing threat environment, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, where China and Russia are expanding their naval capabilities and influence.
- The need to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies, such as 5G, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing, that can enhance the naval warfighting advantage and readiness.
- The need to engage with the diverse and vibrant innovation community in the Washington D.C. area, which includes startups, small businesses, universities, research institutes, and non-governmental organizations, that can offer novel solutions and perspectives to the naval challenges.
The Potomac Tech Bridge aims to achieve these goals by creating a platform that enables the collaboration, experimentation, and transition of naval technology from the lab to the fleet. The Potomac Tech Bridge also seeks to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the naval workforce, by providing opportunities for training, mentoring, and networking.
How can you get involved with the Potomac Tech Bridge?
The Potomac Tech Bridge welcomes anyone who is interested in naval technology and innovation to get involved with its activities and events. You can:
- Visit the Potomac Tech Bridge website to learn more about its vision, mission, and focus areas, and to sign up for its newsletter and social media channels.
- Attend the Potomac Tech Bridge events, such as webinars, workshops, hackathons, and pitch competitions, that showcase the latest naval technology and innovation, and provide opportunities for feedback and interaction.
- Contact the Potomac Tech Bridge team, via email or phone, to express your interest, share your ideas, or propose a collaboration. The Potomac Tech Bridge team is always looking for new partners and projects that can advance the naval technology and innovation agenda.
The Potomac Tech Bridge is an exciting and promising initiative that can transform the way the U.S. Navy develops and delivers technology to the frontlines. By connecting the naval stakeholders with the industry and academia in the Washington D.C. area, the Potomac Tech Bridge can create a vibrant and dynamic innovation ecosystem that can benefit the Navy, the nation, and the world.
