eMerge Americas hosted its inaugural and first-of-its-kind National Security Maritime Demo Day at PortMiami, transforming the world’s cruise capital into a proving ground for the next wave of dual-use innovation. Against the backdrop of Miami’s bustling harbor, founders, investors, and industry leaders gathered for a live, scenario-based showcase on the water, where technology met mission in real time.
Innovation in Action on the Water
This year’s NatSec Maritime Demo Day was powered by leading innovators across autonomy, AI, and national security tech, each bringing real-world capabilities to life through live, scenario-based simulations:
- Autonomous detection & monitoring (ISR): Havoc AI, Loko AI, and Vatn Systems fused computer vision, AI, and unmanned platforms to track and neutralize potential maritime threats in real time.
- Aerial awareness for port security: Hextronics and ProximaVision Aerospace Systems showed persistent ISR such as automated battery-swap drone stations and aerial feeds that expand the security perimeter without adding headcount.
- Counter-UAS & counter-surface response: Archaius and Neros demonstrated rapid detection and defeat of swarming threats that can be identified, intercepted and mitigated to protect critical zones.
- Resilient infrastructure for coastal resilience: Terranova showcased solutions to physically elevate and harden critical port and waterfront structures, helping operators mitigate flood risk and climate vulnerabilities in high-exposure zones. Deep Water Point & Associates, in contrast, highlighted secure data integration and rapid-response frameworks that enable operators to move from alert to action.
- From prototype to program: Lukos and Second Front Systems mapped mission-ready workflows, linking defense-grade commercial software, cyber compliance, and procurement pathways to ensure rapid deployment at scale.
- Talent pipeline in action: Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial High School and Florida International University (FIU) brought the next generation of talent into the fold, showcasing how education and workforce development are vital to securing maritime security innovation.
Together, these partners transformed the Demo Day into more than a showcase, it was a live rehearsal of the future of maritime security, where dual-use technologies proved their ability to harden critical infrastructure without slowing global commerce.
Why It Matters
Maritime infrastructure is the backbone of global commerce, yet increasingly vulnerable to hybrid threats. PortMiami, processing millions of passengers and more than a million TEUs of cargo annually, is a symbol of both economic vitality and exposure. What happens in Miami’s harbor reverberates across supply chains and security frameworks worldwide. Demonstrating technologies on the water proves what tabletop briefings cannot: interoperability, reliability, and operator trust under real conditions. eMerge Americas and its partners illustrated how innovation can harden critical infrastructure without slowing the flow of global trade. The event also emphasized South Florida’s position as a growing hub for national security and deep tech innovation, bringing together defense stakeholders, startups, and investors in one ecosystem.
Why PortMiami
PortMiami stands as a pivotal strategic asset for the United States, our primary gateway for trade between North and South America and a backbone of national economic security thanks to deepwater access, robust infrastructure, and global connectivity. A record 8,233,056 cruise passengers in FY 2024 underscores its scale, while cargo operations handled 1,089,443 TEUs in FY 2024, placing PortMiami 11th in the U.S. and first in Florida for international containerized cargo. An independent 2023 study found the seaport contributes $61.4B annually to the economy and supports 340,078 jobs across Florida. Infrastructure investments like the PortMiami Tunnel (which diverts truck traffic from downtown to the port) and the Deep Dredge (to 50+ feet for Post-Panamax ships) ensure the port stays competitive and resilient.
What’s Next?
The momentum doesn’t stop at the dock. As eMerge Americas looks ahead to its 2026 conference, we’ll continue showcasing how human driven, innovation led technologies move from lab to live environment. From national security to health to AI, we’re committed to convening the leaders who are redefining industries and strengthening communities.
This event was a powerful display of public-private collaboration, made possible by the unwavering support of PortMiami, Miami-Dade County, and the entire eMerge Americas team. The level of partnership, patriotism, and purpose on display was truly humbling. Together, we’re strengthening Florida’s and Miami’s position as a global hub for national security innovation, talent, and culture.
Stay tuned for upcoming Demo Days and opportunities to engage with the innovators shaping the future of security, resilience, and global competitiveness.
As eMerge Americas continues to evolve, we’re more committed than ever to fostering collaboration, sparking innovation, and highlighting the transformative power of Florida’s thriving tech ecosystem.
