Hello,

As reported in our last newsletter, registration is now open for the Defense Investment Forum (DIF), October 28th, 2026.

The DIF wishes to thank our latest exhibitors, VR Industries and the Structural Battery Company! We also want to thank this year's partners, Rhode Island Commerce Corp., Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, the University of Rhode Island, and University of Rhode Island Innovations. See below for more information and a link to register.

On August 18, join UTIC for their Deep Dive Tech Talk featuring Gloria Berlanga, Associate Vice President for Defense Business Development, RI Commerce Corp. Gloria is a speaker at DIF '26 and this Tech Talk will be especially useful to those who will be attending. Register for the Tech Talk here or see below for more information.

In our next newsletter, more updates about the DIF: speaker bios featured, new exhibitors and partners announced, and registration for opening program and reception (October 27) open.

Don't forget to register for BlueTIDE, the premier in-water demonstration event organized by Polaris Tech Bridge. The event takes place on August 26 & 27 and it's a can't miss for the industry. See below for more information and a link to register.

Upcoming Events:

BlueTIDE 2026, August 26 & 27

Defense Investment Forum: October 28th, 2026, Wyndham Newport Hotel, Middletown, RI. Register today!

We look forward to seeing you at one of these amazing events!

In the meantime, if you have information to share with the bluetech community, please send it to: info@blueventureforum.org.

Deep Dive Tech Talk

Drivers of Innovation in Naval Defense: A Common Operating Picture

Tuesday 18 August at 1100 (ET) - virtual Teams event

This tech talk will provide important insights on guiding Naval policy and focus, regional atmospherics/conflicts, and key ongoing challenges.

It will provide a Common Operating Picture (COP) and will be especially useful to those who will be attending the Defense Investment Forum hosted by UTIC and the Blue Venture Forum on 28 October 2026. More information on that event here: Defense Investment Forum Registration Link

Presented by: Gloria Berlanga

Gloria Berlanga serves as the Associate Vice President for Defense Business Development at the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, bringing deep sector expertise shaped by more than three decades of senior military leadership in the U.S. Army National Guard. A retired Army Colonel, she has led complex organizations, strengthened statewide readiness, and directed high‑stakes operational missions throughout her career.

Her final military assignment was as Chief of Staff for the Rhode Island Army National Guard, where she oversaw more than 400 full‑time personnel and coordinated mobilization, emergency response, talent management, and strategic planning across the state’s Army forces. She also concurrently served as the national chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Advisory Committee (COSAC) and primary conduit between all 54 state chiefs of staff and Army leadership in Washington DC, helping to identify and address hot issues facing the Army National Guard writ large.

A two‑time commander with overseas deployment experience, Berlanga has held pivotal leadership roles including Recruiting and Retention Commander, Counterdrug Coordinator, Administrative Officer for the 56th Troop Command, and senior staff leader for brigade‑level operations. Her career reflects deep expertise in organizational development, crisis response, interagency coordination, and the responsible stewardship of public resources.

Defense Investment Forum (DIF)

Ensuring Maritime Supremacy Through Innovation

Co-Organizers UTIC and the BVF

Wyndham Newport Hotel, Middletown, RI

(Room Block Info Here)

8:00AM-6:30PM

October 28, 2026

Registration to attend or exhibit is now open!

The Defense Investment Forum (DIF) is dedicated to exploring geopolitical developments, emerging technologies, and capital trends shaping the future of maritime defense. Bringing together investors, naval and maritime industry leaders, government stakeholders, founders, and strategic partners, the forum serves as a platform for high-level discussion on emerging opportunities across autonomous systems, subsea technologies, maritime cybersecurity, dual-use innovation, ocean surveillance, resilient supply chains, and next-generation defense infrastructure.

Apply to deliver a Flashtalk: please email info@blueventureforum.org the following information: Name, Title, Company, URL, description of your product/service, and stage of investment. The application period will close at 5:00PM, September 18.

We expect this event to sell out, so please register as soon as possible.

For more information and to register click here

Defense Investment Forum

October 28, 2026

Thank you to our Exhibitors and Partners

BlueTIDE 2026

BlueTIDE is an annual, high-impact technology demonstration event hosted by Polaris Tech Bridge (formerly 401 Tech Bridge) in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport. Held in Newport, Rhode Island, BlueTIDE is the premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge maritime and dual-use technologies through live, mission-driven demonstrations.

Key Features of BlueTIDE:

In-Water Demonstration: Selected companies participate in a collaborative integration scenario, designed with DoD input, and demonstrate their technologies as they gain access to key decision makers and receive evaluation feedback from DoD representatives.
Showcase Alley: Innovators from around the world present dual use solutions, through static displays or shoreside, hands-on testing (separate from the in-water demonstration), attracting interest from potential customers and partners – including investors.
Networking: Department of Defense officials, industry leaders, investors, and academic researchers are ready to connect and collaborate with event participants.
Data Collection and Analysis: The data that’s generated during BlueTIDE’s Collaborative Integrated Opportunity will provide feedback and validation of technological capabilities.
Funding: BlueTIDE has been instrumental in helping participating companies secure capital funding and grants to support the advancement and commercialization of their technologies. Additionally, selected In-Water Demonstration participants may be eligible for funding support.