News

Changes Coming to the WAV-C ProgramIn Summer 2022, KEDA launched WAV-C, the Washington Autonomous Vehicle Cluster. Bolstered by more than 20 letters of support from community members as well as strong interest from defense, maritime, and technology stakeholders, WAV-C launched with a $500,000 grant from the Washington Department of Commerce's Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program. Among the nine initial clusters funded, WAV-C was the youngest and the only one not reliant on a pre-existing industry group for its operations. Instead, WAV-C had KEDA in support, and the program was doing something entirely new: Working to accelerate the potential of maritime autonomous...

Defense, industry and educational professionals gather for summit exploring  opportunities and challenges shaping the future of autonomous systems. KEDA’s Washington Autonomous Vehicle Cluster (WAV-C) recently hosted WAV-C Connect: Exploring the Future of Marine Autonomy in Defense, in Bremerton, bringing together 80 industry, defense, and education professionals. This milestone event united top innovators and experts to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of autonomous systems, fostering meaningful engagement among speakers, panelists, and attendees.Key Insights & TakeawaysThroughout the conference, speakers and panelists explored critical challenges, emerging technologies, workforce development, and the integration of autonomous systems into national security strategies. The collaborative...

Washington Autonomous Vehicle Cluster (WAV-C) and SERCO Join Forces to Study Tire Dump Sites in Puget Sound   Silverdale, WA - October 25, 2023  The Washington Autonomous Vehicle Cluster (WAV-C), based in the Kitsap Peninsula, is collaborating with SERCO, a global environmental services company, to initiate a comprehensive study aimed at locating tire dump sites in the Puget Sound. Focused on a two-square-mile area of the Illahee waterway between Bremerton and Bainbridge Island, the study employs state-of-the-art technology to address environmental concerns surrounding existing tire dumps.  SERCO will deploy a next-generation underwater vehicle equipped with scan sonar capabilities to map the seabed and...

Reposted from Ocean Autonomy Cluster,  by Birgit Thorsen The strategic partnership between the Norwegian Ocean Autonomy Cluster (OAC) and the American Washington Vehicle Cluster (WAV-C) will initiate joint research projects, strengthen the recruitment base and create new commercial opportunities for innovative maritime technology. The introduction of autonomous technology includes everything from advanced support systems that contribute to safer manual operations to decision-making systems for autonomous ships and drones. - There is an enormous restructuring underway in the maritime sector where autonomous technology is an essential enabler for reducing the climate footprint, streamlining operations, and increasing safety at...

  Defense News by Megan Eckstein NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The U.S. Navy plans to operate a fleet of crewed and unmanned platforms within the next 10 years — an ambitious timeline that will require the service to quickly develop and mature autonomous systems, while ensuring confidence in the technology. In the air, for example, the Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems set to replace the Super Hornet fighter fleet will include a combination of the piloted F/A-XX fighter with drones dubbed loyal wingmen. This is something the Navy already budgeted for, even as it’s only...

WAV-C aims to make the Pacific Northwest the premier destination for autonomous technologies and a standard for international excellence. One year ago, the state of Washington State Department of Commerce awarded a $500,000 grant to the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) to establish the Washington Autonomous Vehicle - Cluster  (WAV-C)  under the Innovation Cluster Acceleration Program (ICAP). Innovation Cluster program. KEDA’s program is now fully staffed, has established relationships with local, regional, and global partners, and is exploring local pilot projects including an autonomous foot ferry and environmental cleanup in Puget Sound. WAV-C operates as a coalition of...

Bremerton based SAFE Boats International recently announced the introduction of a revolutionary, autonomous hydrographic survey vessel: Merlin. This innovative, 23-meter semi-displacement monohull design was developed in collaboration with Mythos AI, Echo81, and World Marine Design.  SAFE Boats International has exclusive rights to build the design at their Tacoma, Washington large-craft production facility. Merlin will be a Jones Act-compliant all-aluminum hull powered by a twin Volvo Penta D13 Hybrid-ready System with IPS. For a zero-emission power package, the Merlin can accommodate forward-thinking hydrogen technology supplied by Zero Emission Industries (ZEI). Both power options offer lower emissions and extended range to perform site...

Bremerton, WA - SAFE Boats International announces production partnership with West Palm Beach, FL-based autonomous maritime technology provider, Mythos AI.      SAFE Boats has delivered a purpose-built Porter 78S workboat to Mythos AI which will be showcased at the 2022 International WorkBoat Show. The aluminum-hull, outboard-driven Porter 78S survey boat, built under an exclusive license agreement with Stormer Work Boats of the Netherlands, is specifically designed for the integration of Mythos AI’s self-driving and autonomous hydrographic survey control system.    Mythos AI’s first autonomous SAFE Porter 78S hydrographic survey vessel, “ArchieOne”, is fully equipped and in-service, collecting...

Ready to build something amazing for the future economy?    Here's a rare forward-facing opportunity to dream and build something entrepreneurial -- fully funded. The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (“KEDA”) is looking for a creative, connected and entrepreneurially-minded team to take our economic development moonshot: Help us launch the Washington Autonomous Vehicle Cluster, a program funded for two years by the Washington Department of Commerce Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (“ICAP”). Apply to be our WAV-C Program Manager role or Business Development and Growth Lead at https://kitsap-economic-development-alliance.breezy.hr/   In this role we’re looking for you to lead in innovation, engage broadly,...