Arctic Ocean Autonomous Systems Deployment

This funding opportunity supports a large-scale scientific mission deploying autonomous systems in the high Arctic Ocean to advance oceanographic knowledge and strengthen UK research capability. The project will deploy at least seven autonomous platforms, including uncrewed surface vehicles and underwater gliders, operating collaboratively from Svalbard. These systems will operate over six to eight weeks during Arctic summer, utilizing integrated surface and subsurface autonomy, AI-enabled mission planning, and rapid data delivery mechanisms. This initiative aims to demonstrate advanced autonomous coordination capabilities and generate rapid scientific insights from remote polar regions. Suppliers and partners can participate in platform development, autonomous systems integration, AI mission planning software, data management systems, logistics support from Svalbard, and real-time data delivery infrastructure. The opportunity welcomes expertise in marine robotics, artificial intelligence, oceanographic instrumentation, and Arctic operations.