CHEERS OCEANEERS! July 8th, 2026 Graeme Rae, PhD CEO of HyperKelp Inc.
CHEERS OCEANEERS! July 8th 2026
This month, we have a very special presenter, our very own, the Vice Chairman of Oceanic Engineering Society, San Diego Chapter, Graeme Rae! Graeme is also the CEO of HyperKelp Inc. Graeme's presentation topic is:
Trends in Ocean Sensing: From Exquisite Platforms to Distributed Maritime Networks
The nature of maritime sensing is changing rapidly. Advances in low-cost sensors, AI, communications, autonomy, and commercial manufacturing are enabling a transition from a handful of highly capable systems to large-scale networks of inexpensive, intelligent sensing platforms.
Drawing on recent engagements with NATO, defense organizations, industry, and international technology conferences, this talk examines the technical and operational trends shaping the next generation of ocean sensing. Topics include distributed sensing, edge AI, autonomous systems, persistent maritime surveillance, and the implications of the growing emphasis on "small, cheap, and many."
—
Graeme Rae PhD
CEO HyperKelp Inc.
http://www.hyperkelp.com
***
Welcome to the monthly event for the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society (OES), San Diego Chapter, which is hosting this meeting jointly along with TMA BlueTech (The Maritime Alliance), and MTS (Marine Technology Society).
Please join us for the main presentation and also plenty of time for networking and friendly conversation about everything oceanic, engineering, science, Blue Tech, and more. No need to be an IEEE or OES member, or TMA, or MTS. Everyone is invited.
This month, we will be at Quantum Brewing again, a cool science-themed brewery founded by a biochemist.
No ticket required, but please order something for yourself from the brewery.
Please grab a bite from a nearby restaurant, which is okay to bring into the brewery per the owner.
The food and drinks are not being funded by the hosts. Please open your own tab.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
-
Add Event to Calendar
- 5375 Kearny Villa Rd
- #116
- San Diego, California
- United States 92123
- Building: Quantum Brewing
- Starts 26 June 2026 07:00 PM UTC
- Ends 09 July 2026 05:00 AM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Graeme Rae PhD of HyperKelp Inc.
Graeme Rae PhD, CEO HyperKelp Inc.
Innovative Environmental and Defense Scientist | Data Systems Architect | Expert in Smart Buoy Technology
I am passionate about leveraging advanced technology to address real-world environmental and security challenges. With extensive experience in marine systems, environmental data collection, and long-endurance unmanned vehicles, I’ve developed cutting-edge tools to enhance environmental monitoring and defense tech.
One of my key accomplishments is forming the company that develops the Kelp Smart Buoy-an innovative, long-endurance unmanned surface vehicle designed for robust environmental monitoring. By integrating solar power and hosting a versatile payload platform, this system offers extended operational capabilities for various scientific applications, from wave and wind measurement to temperature analysis. I am also spearheading projects to improve tsunami forecasting by designing systems that provide NOAA and NWS with enhanced data for their predictive models, helping to protect vulnerable populations.
I have had the privilege of working closely with the US Navy and US Air Force to develop advanced military sensors, contributing to national defense by designing systems capable of detecting and classifying multiple threats including hypersonic weapons systems.
Driven by curiosity and a commitment to problem-solving, I continue to collaborate with leading scientists and organizations, creating scalable, sustainable solutions that improve our understanding of the environment.
Prior to founding HyperKelp,I have 10 years experience teaching Ocean Engineering at the graduate level and 20 years experience in engineering software and hardware development. I developed the first generation of AUVs while at Florida Atlantic University and Florida Tech and produced novel and patented ballast control systems and vehicle navigation systems. I was one of the original founders of Surfline.com, developing and maintaining all scientific and technical aspects of the world’s most accurate marine forecasting and popular surf company.
I ran a cutting edge marine and ocean engineering consulting business with clients including Samsung, Total Oil, SpaceX, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Army Corps of Engineers and USCG/USN Special forces and AquaAI - developing advanced robotic swimming sensor platforms for water quality measurements in Aquaculture facilities.
Graeme Rae PhD
CEO HyperKelp Inc.
http://www.hyperkelp.com
Meet me: https://cal.mixmax.com/graemerae/30
Biography:
Graeme Rae PhD
CEO HyperKelp Inc.
Agenda
Agenda:
5:30pm: Arrival and networking, order food/drinks for yourself.
6:15pm: OES and other hosting group announcements.
6:20pm: Main Presentation
6:40pm (approximately): “open mic” for any other attendees to present anything they like (ocean-related, of course).
Examples: employers presenting opportunities for employment, job seekers presenting a quick bio, internship program opportunities, promoting other events, seeking funding, “show and tell” of any cool technology you are working on, etc.
*For the open mic portion of the event, please observe a time-limit of 3 minutes maximum per person. If you want to give a longer presentation, please ask to be the main presenter for an upcoming monthly event.
7:00pm to close: enjoy some drinks and chatting with fellow oceanic engineering enthusiasts.
RSVPs are appreciated for planning purposes.