Boca Raton, Fla. – October 02, 2026 -- Florida Atlantic University and Blue Ops, the maritime division of Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT), have signed a strategic partnership placing uncrewed maritime systems operations at FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce.
Blue Ops gains a 144-acre deep-water testing site for uncrewed surface vessels
The agreement grants Blue Ops access to Harbor Branch's secure, 144-acre deep-water port, waterfront infrastructure and marine engineering staff to develop, test and evaluate uncrewed surface vessels, mission systems and open architectures. Activities will include engineering, land- and water-based demonstrations, personnel training, and equipment maintenance and support.
FAU ties the deal to its 2026-31 defense and autonomous systems research priority
The partnership aligns with FAU's 2026-31 strategic plan, which names national defense and autonomous systems one of four core research emphasis areas. FAU's Autonomous Systems Initiative coordinates faculty across colleges on air, ground, underground, surface and underwater systems. At Harbor Branch, Michael Twardowski, Ph.D., the Edwin A. Link Ocean Technology and Defense Endowed Professor, has worked more than 30 years on optical sensing and autonomous marine systems research backed by the U.S. Office of Naval Research.
Partnership adds joint research, scholarships and paid internships for students
Beyond facility access, the deal creates joint research projects, graduate scholarships, paid internships, outreach programs and shared use of specialized scientific equipment. Barry Hinckley, president of Blue Ops, said the arrangement lets the company advance uncrewed surface vessels while helping build the skilled workforce needed as autonomous maritime systems expand.
Palm Beach County economic development board brokered the Blue Ops relocation
The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, the county's business attraction and retention organization, played a role in bringing Blue Ops to the region. BDB president and CEO Kelly Smallridge said the move connects research, industry and workforce development, positioning the Palm Beaches as an advanced technology hub.
FAU President Adam Hasner said the collaboration will move research from the lab to real-world defense applications. Jason Hallstrom, Ph.D., interim executive director of FAU Harbor Branch, said the Blue Ops presence connects industry directly with researchers, facilities and students on-site in Fort Pierce.