WHAT: The University of New Hampshire, a recognized leader in the field of ocean mapping research, is partnering with French company, Exail, a global innovator in the field of maritime autonomy and robotics, to unveil a new innovation hub that will engage in all aspects of marine autonomous operations, including surface vehicles for exploration and ocean mapping, to help meet the challenges of the growing blue economy.

WHEN: Saturday, July 15, 2023, 10:30 am EST

WHERE: Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex. 29 Wentworth Road, New Castle, NH 03854

WHO: A short speaking program includes UNH President Jim Dean, Exail President for North America Civil & Space, Marine Slinge, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan and Assistant Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Nicole LeBoeuf.

Following remarks, Exail will demonstrate DriX, a 25-foot-long uncrewed surface vessel (USV) that can be customized to carry a range of sensors. The demo will take place in the water off the UNH pier and can be viewed on monitors in the event area.

WHY: The innovation hub is a collaboration between Exail, the UNH Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM) and the John Olson Center for Advanced Manufacturing. Exail, a leading high-tech company specializing in cutting-edge robotics, maritime, navigation, aerospace and photonics technologies, will use the new center to increase delivery to U.S. civil and government customers, including:

• U.S. production of DriX, an unmanned surface vessel designed for ocean mapping, exploration and many other purposes
• Housing a remote control and command center for worldwide operations
• Establishing local operations, maintenance and training facilities
• Providing expertise on maritime autonomy

UNH’s CCOM is an internationally recognized center of excellence for ocean mapping and hydrographic science education, research and partnership. The John Olson Center for Advanced Manufacturing is focused on a cross-curricular approach to engineering and manufacturing concepts providing hands-on learning opportunities for students, often in collaboration with industry. Exail will be located at the Olson Center.

PARKING is limited at event location. Media should RSVP in advance to Tom Cronin, Thomas.Cronin@unh.edu or, 603-264-5659.

Media Contacts at event:
Tom Cronin, Thomas.Cronin@unh.edu or, 603-264-5659
Marion Seyve, marion.seyve@exail.com or, +33 6 79327176

The University of New Hampshire inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation, and world. More than 16,000 students from all 50 states and 71 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top-ranked programs in business, engineering, law, health and human services, liberal arts and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. As one of the nation’s highest-performing research universities, UNH partners with NASA, NOAA, NSF and NIH, and receives more than $110 million in competitive external funding every year to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea and space.