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The 2025 GlobalX Innovation Challenge: AI Innovations for Maritime Security Launched

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Global-X is a nine-month international science challenge that seeks revolutionary research through active worldwide cooperation.
For Immediate Release: May 19, 2025
By Zoe Chinaka, Office of Naval Research Global

The U.S. Office of Naval Research Global (ONR Global), in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Singapore, is proud to announce the launch of the GlobalX Innovation Joint Challenge: AI for Advancing Maritime Security. This nine-month international science challenge offers significant research partnerships to encourage groundbreaking research from around the world.

This collaborative effort, a key deliverable of the U.S.-Singapore Memorandum of Understanding for Defence Innovation Cooperation executed jointly by ONR Global in the United States and the Cap Vista Accelerator in Singapore, aims to identify and foster revolutionary AI solutions that address critical maritime security challenges, bridging the gap between scientific research and the operational needs of warfighters. This is the fifth iteration of the GlobalX Challenge since 2020.

Technology companies, startups, academic institutions and researchers are invited to submit advanced AI innovations to address critical maritime security challenges, specifically focusing on enhancing:

  • Maritime Domain Awareness

  • Threat Detection

  • Response Capabilities

ONR Global is interested in receiving white papers and proposals on these challenge topics. Researchers from academia and industry, encompassing all disciplines and countries, are invited to form multinational teams to address any challenge area.

“By fostering collaboration with our strategic partners and allies, the GlobalX Challenge will accelerate the development of revolutionary AI solutions that will equip our Warfighters and enhance global security,” said ONR Global Technical Director Dr. Marcus Tepaske. “This initiative is a vital catalyst for groundbreaking innovation, bringing together the brightest minds from across the globe to tackle critical maritime security challenges.”

ONR Global officially launched this year’s GlobalX with a kick-off webinar on May 9. A recording of the webinar is available for viewing on https://www.onr.navy.mil/global-x.

Why Join the GlobalX Challenge?

  • International Collaboration: Partner with leading experts from the U.S., Singapore and the global innovation community.

  • Substantial Research Support opportunities: Accepted partners will receive significant R&D sponsorship to develop and deploy your cutting-edge AI solutions.

  • Real-World Impact: Contribute directly to enhancing maritime security and protecting vital interests.

  • Cutting-Edge Research: Be at the forefront of AI innovation and its application to critical national security challenges.

  • Trusted Platform: Participate in a trusted, internationally recognized program.

Ready to Shape the Future of Maritime Security?

Register now at https://accelerator.capvista.com.sg/en/challenges/us-singapore_joint_challenge_ai_innovations before the May 23rd deadline.

Learn more about the challenge at https://www.onr.navy.mil/global-x.

About the Office of Naval Research

This year, the Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR) marks its 80th anniversary. For 80 years, ONR — including headquarters, ONR Global and the Naval Research Laboratory — has been a leader in advancing American naval warfighter readiness and dominance through innovations in science and technology for the Navy and Marine Corps. Today, ONR’s continued dedication to providing the Fleet and Force with the technological edge is catalyzing the advancement and delivery of combat systems, sensors, weapons, materials, robotic and autonomous systems and numerous other state-of-the-art, naval platforms and capabilities.