Ocean Power Technologies, a leader in innovative and cost-effective low-carbon marine power, data, and service solutions, announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with Gradient Marine (“GM”), a U.S.-based provider of advanced digital modeling, simulation, and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
Through this collaboration, OPT will integrate GM’s Virtual Maritime Picture (VMP) software to develop and deploy digital twins for OPT’s flagship platforms, including the PowerBuoy® and WAM-V® autonomous surface vehicles. These digital models are expected to enable OPT and its customers to conduct real-world simulation, mission rehearsal, and lifecycle testing in a virtual environment before deployment, accelerating development cycles and reducing operational risk.
The partnership is also expected to expand OPT’s digital engineering processes, providing powerful new tools for defense, security, and commercial customers seeking to optimize maritime operations. Together, OPT and GM plan to deliver end-to-end solutions that combine proven physical systems with cutting-edge digital simulation.
Read More: SalesTechStar Interview with Sahil Rekhi, Chief Revenue Officer at Graia
Jason Weed, Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales at Ocean Power Technologies, stated:
“This partnership with Gradient Marine is a significant milestone for OPT as we continue to expand the value proposition of our platforms. By leveraging GM’s advanced digital twin and simulation technology, we can offer our customers unprecedented confidence through ‘simulation-before-deployment.’ This means faster innovation, reduced risk, and better mission outcomes across defense, offshore, and commercial sectors.”
Weed continued:
“For OPT, integrating digital twins into our engineering and customer workflows is a game-changer. Not only does it enhance how we develop and test our own platforms, but we believe it will also give our customers a powerful capability to model and rehearse operations before ever putting assets in the water. This partnership aligns perfectly with our strategy to deliver intelligent maritime solutions that are resilient, cost-effective, and operationally proven.”
The partnership is expected to open new opportunities in defense, offshore wind, aquaculture, subsea infrastructure, and environmental monitoring, while also providing access to Gradient Marine’s Department of Defense customer network.
Taylor Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer at Gradient Marine, stated:
“This partnership is an exciting step for Gradient Marine. The addition of proven systems like the PowerBuoy® and the WAM-V® to the growing Virtual Maritime Picture [VMP] digital library allows VMP users to seamlessly integrate these products into their workflows to develop Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and prove autonomy software capability. VMP users can instantly assess how OPT systems will perform in realistic operating environments to cost-effectively evaluate how OPT technology improves persistent maritime surveillance and supports response activities.”
Wilson elaborated:
“We’re eager to demonstrate the value VMP provides in terms of mission planning and training to existing and future OPT customers. High-fidelity mission simulations that incorporate real-time environmental data help planners and operators select optimal mission plans to ensure fielded technology provides maximum operational impact.”
Read More: Beyond CRM: How SalesTech is Shaping the Future of Deal Management?
