Whipping Up a Revolutionary Recipe

Scott Bewley, deputy director of business operations at NavalX, emphasized the organization’s mission of fostering innovation not only within the Navy but across the entire Department of Defense. Speaking at the 2024 Naval Science and Technology (S&T) Symposium held in Arlington, Virginia, Bewley outlined key initiatives designed to streamline innovation.

Hosted by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the American Society of Naval Engineers, the event gathered representatives from the Navy, Marine Corps, industry, and academia. It served as a platform to explore the theme “Naval S&T: From Idea to Maritime Dominance.”

Since its inception in 2019, NavalX aims to centralize and expedite innovation in naval organizations. Under the leadership of Director Capt. Joel Uzarski, it connects naval research entities with academia and industry to facilitate collaboration and leverage commercial market opportunities. These efforts help lower acquisition costs and expedite technology deployment for defense purposes.

Bewley highlighted that successful innovation within NavalX aligns with the broader goals of the defense community. By partnering with naval labs and warfare centers, NavalX supports the technological transformation needed for practical applications. Collaboration with the DoN Technology Transfer Program Office, and the SBIR and STTR programs, also play a critical role in this process. These programs advance technologies developed by small businesses, fostering a dynamic environment for tech developments.

Addressing another key initiative, Bewley elaborated on Tech Bridges. These regional innovation hubs, formed through partnerships with ONR and the Navy’s systems commands, facilitate collaborative technology projects aimed at solving pressing naval challenges. Currently, there are 18 Tech Bridge locations globally, including one in London.

In closing, Bewley expressed the importance of expanding the pool of contributors to naval innovation. “We want to ensure the Department of the Navy has access to the best possible technology and capabilities,” he stated. Involving diverse organizations, from established companies to startups, ensures comprehensive resources to tackle strategic priorities.

Warren Duffie Jr. contributed to the report as a contractor for ONR Corporate Strategic Communications.