Navy Lab Speeds New Tech to Fleet with Industry Day

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory threw open its doors to prove that good ideas shouldn't gather dust in filing cabinets.

On April 28, NRL hosted its 2026 Innovation Day for Industry in Washington, D.C., bringing together government researchers and private companies to speed up how quickly new technologies reach sailors and Marines. The event showcased seven cutting-edge innovations ready for real-world use, from ultra-low power sensors to next-generation materials that could transform naval operations.

The partnership model is straightforward. NRL scientists excel at discovery and solving complex problems. Industry partners bring manufacturing expertise, speed, and the ability to scale prototypes into thousands of units that can actually be deployed.

"Our mission is not just to invent technology, it's to make sure it gets into the hands of the warfighter," said Captain Randy Cruz, NRL's commanding officer. More than 1,100 licenses from NRL's technology portfolio are currently available for companies to license and develop.

Dr. Peter Matic, who leads the Innovation Day program, sees these connections as investments in both technology and people. "We want to show our researchers that we believe in them and their efforts to solve hard problems that are foundational for warfighting technologies," he said.

The Ripple Effect

The approach is already delivering results beyond the laboratory walls. NRL recently partnered with NCP Coatings and Sherwin-Williams to get new non-skid coatings onto Navy ships. Advanced infrared materials reached the market through collaboration with LightPath Technologies, reducing America's dependence on overseas supply chains.

Small businesses play an outsized role in this innovation ecosystem. In fiscal year 2025, more than 52 percent of NRL and Office of Naval Research contract dollars went to small companies. Andrew Chappell, NRL's small business representative, emphasized how these nimble firms often possess specialized expertise that larger corporations can't match.

The event gave industry attendees direct access to NRL's Technology Transfer Office and contracting experts. Participants learned about multiple collaboration pathways, including licensing agreements, research partnerships, and opportunities specifically designed for small businesses.

Dr. Bruce Danly, NRL's director of research, framed the challenge simply. "We bring deep scientific expertise, and industry brings speed, scale and the ability to transition technology into real-world systems," he said. "Together, we accelerate outcomes."

The Innovation Day model represents a shift from traditional government research timelines. Instead of years-long processes, these face-to-face meetings create immediate connections between inventors and the companies that can manufacture their breakthroughs.

For the sailors and Marines who will eventually use these technologies, faster transition times mean better tools arrive sooner when they're needed most.