NavalX Pacific Northwest Tech Bridge and Vibe Coworks out of Poulsbo have announced a formal partnership to enhance collaboration between Naval technologists and the region’s leading private-sector innovators.

The partnership effectively integrates NXPNTB resources with Vibe Coworks, expanding opportunities for startups, scaleups, small businesses, academic institutions, local governments and other nontraditional innovators to work with the Navy more easily, a news release states.

The program brings together operational support and technology innovations relating to underwater autonomous systems, robotics and data analytics.

The lab at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division at Keyport had led technology outreach, which is why it was selected as one of the first NavalX Tech Bridge locations in the country in 2019, NXPNTB director Johannes Schonberg said. He added that the partnership with Vibe Coworks represents another milestone in regional innovation. The goal is for local innovators to deliver solutions to Navy challenges.

Matchstick Lab, introduced by Vibe Coworks in 2023, offers programming, partnerships and support to ignite startups, per the release.

Vibe Coworks will specifically support NXPNTB in:

Expanding advisory services to the Northwest.

Executing a robust lineup of webinars and pitch events.

Increasing the number of government contracts awarded to Washington–based businesses.

Facilitating access to flexible workspace, meeting space and event venues for cross-sector collaborations between the Navy and private-sector innovators.

A total of 18 NavalX Tech Bridges are embedded in local startup and scaleup ecosystems across the nation to scout relevant technology, match it to Naval needs, and provide nontraditional companies with resources to address specific challenges faced by Naval leaders and break down barriers to working with the Navy, the release states. By operating off-base, directly in communities, Tech Bridges build connections with industry, academia, and local governments.