WAV-C

Washington Autonomous Vehicle Cluster (WAV-C) is an initiative that was launched through a grant from WA State Commerce. Its mission is to accelerate innovation across the state and federal landscape for autonomous and unmanned vehicles, particularly in the maritime sector. WAV-C will do more than just enable Washington’s companies to succeed in the new era of autonomy. It will become a platform for international excellence and generate thousands of jobs statewide. We are aiming very high to make the Pacific Northwest the Premier Destination for all autonomous technologies. Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) is the incubator for WAV-C and is supporting the program’s first two years, before it goes independent in 2024. Our efforts are bolstered by one of the most sophisticated testing environments for Autonomous Vehicles in the Northwest, the underwater range at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport, as well as federal infrastructure, industry, and a consortium of educational institutions (we are working on securing a hydrodynamic spot for testing). Under WAV-C we will bring together corporate entities, Government, Academics, Entrepreneurs, and Venture Capital to create a very dynamic innovation tech center in Kitsap County, one that will elevate our workforce capacities. KEDA’s vision for WAV-C is to use its infrastructure, connectivity, and experience in entrepreneurship to create a diverse, equitable and industry-led economic cluster. Under WAV-C stakeholders would convene immediately to grow membership, develop markets, and collaborate on challenges. WAV-C programming will also make it easier for entrepreneurs to break into the industry, fostering success across all specialties. We strongly believe that a performing economic cluster will democratize the space and enhance the Navy’s ability to procure cutting edge technologies built locally.