Zelim partners with US Navy on AI detection research
Iain Hoey
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Agreement enables joint trials with US Navy
Zelim has announced a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the US Navy’s Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport to test its AI detection system, ZOE Shield.
According to Zelim, the agreement allows the company to participate in BlueTIDE 2025, a demonstration event organised by 401 Tech Bridge, NavalX and the Northeast Tech Bridge.
The company explained that the event will conclude with a full-scale in-water trial on 28 August in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island.
Zelim said it is one of a small number of international companies selected for the 2025 BlueTIDE Prize Challenge following a competitive review process.
The company stated that this year’s mission scenario focuses on protecting subsea infrastructure from threats posed by small crewed and uncrewed autonomous systems.
ZOE Shield trial and operational role
Zelim reported that its role in the scenario is to detect small remotely operated surface vessels operating covertly in sensitive areas.
It said these craft may present a potential threat to subsea infrastructure by serving as a precursor to sabotage.
The company explained that its ZOE Shield system is based on the same AI engine used in its ZOE man overboard system, which is deployed in the cruise and offshore sectors.
It added that ZOE Shield extends these functions by providing situational awareness of small surface craft not using AIS.
The developer outlined that the system introduces automated classification and alerting, helping operators with early detection and response measures.
Features of the AI detection system
According to Zelim, ZOE Shield is designed to function in environments where GPS denial or radar jamming could limit conventional surveillance methods.
It stated that this makes the system relevant for security operations requiring layered detection and resilience against interference.
The company noted that the US Navy is evaluating the system as part of its assessment of intelligent surveillance technologies.
Zelim explained that this evaluation will take place in live operational scenarios during BlueTIDE.
It added that the data will be used to support the Navy’s capability review and potential future development.
CEO comments on defence scenario
Sam Mayall, CEO and co-founder of Zelim, said: “This agreement gives us a unique opportunity to trial ZOE Shield in an operational defence scenario at a US Navy facility, where multiple assets, including USVs will be deployed on the mission.
“This is about closing the gap between detection and decision, especially in domains where the threat is small, fast-moving and unpredictable.
“Our mission is to help operators identify anomalous behaviour earlier, whether the goal is rescue or protection.
“This demo is a vital step toward deploying ZOE for real-world defence scenarios.”
Role of CRADAs in research collaboration
Zelim stated that CRADAs enable non-federal organisations to work directly with US Navy personnel and facilities.
It said this framework allows research partners to collaborate outside of federal acquisition rules.
The company explained that the structure also protects intellectual property and proprietary data.
According to Zelim, this mechanism is being used to facilitate the ZOE Shield trial in Rhode Island.
It added that further information will be released in line with CRADA requirements after the demonstration.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
AI detection technologies such as ZOE Shield have potential applications in safety-critical fields beyond defence.
The system’s ability to function without reliance on radar or GPS may inform the design of fire and rescue monitoring technologies in environments subject to interference.
The early classification and alerting features under test may also have relevance to operators seeking to improve situational awareness in complex emergency scenarios.
Zelim partners with US Navy on AI detection research: Summary
Zelim has signed a CRADA with the US Navy’s NUWC Division Newport to test its AI detection system ZOE Shield.
The agreement enables Zelim’s participation in BlueTIDE 2025, a demonstration event scheduled to conclude on 28 August in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island.
Zelim is one of a small number of international companies selected for the 2025 BlueTIDE Prize Challenge.
The company will trial ZOE Shield to detect small surface vessels operating covertly near subsea infrastructure.
The AI engine used in ZOE Shield is also employed in Zelim’s ZOE man overboard system, which is already deployed in maritime industries.
ZOE Shield provides automated classification and alerting functions and is resistant to GPS denial and radar jamming.
The system is being evaluated by the US Navy for its role in layered maritime surveillance and response.
Sam Mayall, CEO and co-founder of Zelim, said the demonstration is an opportunity to test ZOE Shield in a live defence scenario.
CRADAs enable collaboration with the US Navy while protecting intellectual property and removing federal acquisition requirements.
Further details will be made available after the demonstration in line with the CRADA framework.
