ONRG calls for AI proposals to advance maritime security

The US Office of Naval Research – Global (ONRG) is seeking proposals for its new Global Innovation Joint Challenge: AI for Advancing Maritime Security. ONRG is seeking proposals that

• define challenging and realistic maritime scene perception scenarios represented by real-world and/or synthetic data generated by sensors commonly found on UxV platforms
• present innovative AI algorithms that can successfully operate on that representative data and determine operational context.

White papers, highly encouraged but not mandatory, are due 23 May 2025 via email to usn.ncr.onrghq.list.grantsproposals@us.navy.mil . Selected white papers may be invited to participate in a Pitch Day, ahead of a full project submission.

The ONRG explains that scene perception – the ability to determine context beyond object recognition – is a necessary condition for a single Unmanned Aerial/Surface/Underwater Vessel (UxV), or UxVs working cooperatively, to operate effectively in challenging maritime environments. AI-enabled scene perception in UxVs would minimize the cognitive load on operators, increasing operational efficiency.

ONRG has a total of USD$250,000 ($388,000)  to distribute across projects of up to 12 months, with the potential for follow-on funding for projects that produce a successful  proof of concept.

The  proposing team must be led by an eligible non-US-based research entity, whether from academia, industry and/or the broader scientific community. US-based non-federal entities may also participate as part of a multi-national team but are not required.

Full proposals are currently due 23 June 2025 via grants.gov.   The ONRG recommends checking grants.gov for any changes.

The ONRG has also published links for project documentation:

• Challenge Call – AI for Advancing Maritime Security:N0001425SBC03 GlobalX Challenge 2025- REVISION 1
• Long Range BAA – Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology: N0001425SB001_Amendment 0003