NUWC Division, Keyport Industry Day Brings Together Navy and Industry for Collaboration
On August 6, NUWC Division, Keyport welcomed 154 participants from 101 companies to Industry Day at the Naval Undersea Museum—an event designed to connect innovators directly with Keyport’s mission owners. The event provided industry a rare opportunity to engage directly with Keyport requirement owners through presentations, hands-on training, and targeted networking focused on high-priority Navy needs.
A highlight of the day was the presentation delivered by NW Tech Bridge’s Dave Kowalick. Drawing from his experience as a retired Navy Captain, NOAA program manager, Keyport division head, and startup advisor, Kowalick shared how the Tech Bridge works to accelerate innovation from concept to capability.
He described the Tech Bridge’s mission to “redefine the boundaries of possibility” by connecting Pacific Northwest innovators with the Navy’s operational needs—operating at commercial speed but with a mission-focused mindset. Kowalick outlined how NW Tech Bridge scouts new technologies, provides hands-on support through the “Learn, Grow, Deliver” pipeline, and leverages funding pathways like SBIR/STTR to get solutions into the hands of sailors and Marines.
Kowalick explained that NavalX, launched in 2019, was created to inject agility and speed into Navy acquisition by partnering with non-traditional innovators. Recognizing that innovation thrives locally, NavalX established regional Tech Bridges—physical hubs located within Navy Warfare Centers but deeply embedded in commercial ecosystems.
The Pacific Northwest Tech Bridge, one of the first of these hubs, launched in 2020 at NUWC Keyport. Unlike centralized offices in the Pentagon, we operate as boots-on-the-ground connectors—scouting, coaching, and integrating technologies that deliver real operational value. What sets the NW Tech Bridge apart is how tightly we’re integrated with our local stakeholders. From PEOs to research labs to industry players, we’ve built a high-trust network that allows us to move fast.
Kowalick explained that NW Tech Bridge focus on five priority areas: Automation, Robotics, Data Analytics, Test & Evaluation, and Uncrewed Systems. “We’re aligned to the same future fight NUWC Keyport supports—below the sea and across the maritime domain”.
“Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation,” Kowalick concluded. “It happens when operational need meets technical talent—with the right support in between. That’s what the Pacific Northwest Tech Bridge exists to do.”
Industry Day underscored the Navy’s commitment to collaboration and highlighted the value of strong connections between NUWC Keyport, the Tech Bridge, and industry partners. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success—and to the companies who continue to bring bold ideas to the table in support of the fleet.