Join TMA BlueTech, MTS and IEEE for our monthly BlueTech Networking Meetup, hosted at our longtime community home, Quantum Brewing. This gathering brings together ocean innovators, engineers, founders, and collaborators for an evening where advanced science, real world application, and community converge.
This month CHEERS OCEANEERS! featuring very special presenter - the Vice Chairman of Oceanic Engineering Society, San Diego Chapter and the CEO of HyperKelp, Graeme Rae!
Main Presentation of the Day:
Trends in Ocean Sensing: From Exquisite Platforms to Distributed Maritime Networks
The nature of maritime sensing is changing rapidly. Advances in low-cost sensors, AI, communications, autonomy, and commercial manufacturing are enabling a transition from a handful of highly capable systems to large-scale networks of inexpensive, intelligent sensing platforms.
Drawing on recent engagements with NATO, defense organizations, industry, and international technology conferences, this talk examines the technical and operational trends shaping the next generation of ocean sensing. Topics include distributed sensing, edge AI, autonomous systems, persistent maritime surveillance, and the implications of the growing emphasis on "small, cheap, and many."
Free registration helps us plan. Please RSVP below.
Here's Graeme's Story:
“I am passionate about leveraging advanced technology to address real-world environmental and security challenges. With extensive experience in marine systems, environmental data collection, and long-endurance unmanned vehicles, I’ve developed cutting-edge tools to enhance environmental monitoring and defense tech.
One of my key accomplishments is forming the company that develops the Kelp Smart Buoy-an innovative, long-endurance unmanned surface vehicle designed for robust environmental monitoring. By integrating solar power and hosting a versatile payload platform, this system offers extended operational capabilities for various scientific applications, from wave and wind measurement to temperature analysis. I am also spearheading projects to improve tsunami forecasting by designing systems that provide NOAA and NWS with enhanced data for their predictive models, helping to protect vulnerable populations.
I have had the privilege of working closely with the US Navy and US Air Force to develop advanced military sensors, contributing to national defense by designing systems capable of detecting and classifying multiple threats including hypersonic weapons systems.
Driven by curiosity and a commitment to problem-solving, I continue to collaborate with leading scientists and organizations, creating scalable, sustainable solutions that improve our understanding of the environment.
Prior to founding HyperKelp,I have 10 years experience teaching Ocean Engineering at the graduate level and 20 years experience in engineering software and hardware development. I developed the first generation of AUVs while at Florida Atlantic University and Florida Tech and produced novel and patented ballast control systems and vehicle navigation systems. I was one of the original founders of Surfline.com, developing and maintaining all scientific and technical aspects of the world’s most accurate marine forecasting and popular surf company.
I ran a cutting edge marine and ocean engineering consulting business with clients including Samsung, Total Oil, SpaceX, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Army Corps of Engineers and USCG/USN Special forces and AquaAI - developing advanced robotic swimming sensor platforms for water quality measurements in Aquaculture facilities.”
Graeme Rae PhD
CEO HyperKelp Inc.
http://www.hyperkelp.com
Meet me: https://cal.mixmax.com/graemerae/30"
Agenda
5:30pm: Arrival and networking, order food/drinks for yourself.
6:15pm: OES and other hosting group announcements
6:20pm: Main Presentation
6:40pm (approximately): “open mic” for any other attendees to present anything they like (ocean-related, of course).
Attendees are invited to share brief updates, opportunities, or ideas with the community. This may include job opportunities, personal introductions, internships, upcoming events, funding needs, call for partnership or demonstrations of new technologies.
Please keep remarks to a maximum of 3 minutes. Those interested in a longer presentation are invited to inquire about future featured speaker opportunities.
7:00 PM onward: enjoy some drinks and chatting with fellow oceanic engineering enthusiasts.
Date
Wednesday, July 8th, 2026
Time
5:30 to 8:30 PM
Location
Quantum Brewing
5375 Kearny Villa Rd Suite 116
San Diego CA 92123
Free registration helps us plan. Thank you in advance for RSVP.
