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Ocean-IQ

Ocean intelligence forged and proven at sea

A multi-sector consortium connecting industry with WHOI scientists and engineers to address defined use cases and emerging opportunities in ocean science and technology, generating decision-relevant insight under real ocean conditions.

Operations depend on ocean conditions

Energy systems, coastal infrastructure, maritime activity, and global supply chains are increasingly shaped by ocean dynamics that are difficult to observe, predict, and operate within.

Decisions are made under growing uncertainty

Organizations are making high‑consequence operational and investment decisions without integrated, at‑sea intelligence across space, surface, and subsea domains.

Capability requires collective action

Ocean IQ enables sustained collaboration by pooling resources, expertise, and infrastructure to translate science and engineering into validated, real‑world capability rather than isolated technologies.

Explore Ocean IQ's collaborative engagement model.

WHOI OCEANWORKS

What is Ocean IQ?

Ocean IQ is a collaborative engagement model designed to connect industry partners with WHOI researchers and engineers to advance both WHOI research priorities and real-world applications, including dual-use technologies where appropriate.

Ocean IQ does not advocate for specific outcomes or endorse technologies. It provides independent scientific and engineering assessment grounded in evidence and experience at sea.

Sustained collaboration with WHOI scientists and engineers
Ocean science and engineered systems developed together, not in sequence
At‑sea deployments, modeling, and advanced analytics—including AI
Independent insight into ocean conditions, system behavior, risk, and uncertainty

WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION

Why ocean intelligence matters

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Scientific understanding of ocean processes and variability

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Engineered systems that observe, operate, and survive at sea

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Continuous iteration between data, models, and deployed technology

At WHOI, science informs engineering, engineering tests science, and both are refined at sea.

Areas of Engagement

Applying ocean intelligence across sectors

Ocean IQ applies the same science‑and‑engineering foundation across multiple ocean‑dependent domains, where decisions are shaped by risk, uncertainty, and real ocean conditions.

Energy Systems    ●    Coastal & Offshore Infrastructure    ●    Marine Carbon    ●    Aquaculture
Ocean-Health Connections    ●    Maritime Operations

These domains share a common intelligence backbone—integrating space, surface, and subsea observation—so progress in one accelerates capability across the entire system.

Participation

How participation works

Ocean IQ brings organizations into sustained collaboration with WHOI researchers and engineers.

Participation in Ocean IQ is problem-driven, bringing organizations together with WHOI researchers and engineers around defined use cases, areas of mutual interest, and shared challenges. Anchor participants help articulate priority challenges and decision needs, and WHOI researchers and engineers work alongside them to shape collaborative research, technology development, and pathways grounded in work at sea.

Together, participants and WHOI researchers shape collaborative research and technology efforts that address shared challenges and opportunities.

1
Organizations define priority challenges
Anchor participants help articulate priority challenges and decision needs. This isn't a menu of services - it begins with what your organization actually needs to solve.
Problem-driven participation. Anchor engagement helps shape priorities. Project-focused participation targets specific activities and pilots.
2
Structured engagement with WHOI experts
WHOI researchers and engineers respond by shaping appropriate research, development, and field-based pathways to address identified challenges.
Direct access to the scientists and engineers who generate and interpret ocean knowledge - not intermediaries or account managers.
3
Field-grounded insight
Surface to seafloor observation
Understanding informed by sustained observation and deployment across ocean environments - from surface to seafloor. Not modeled. Not theoretical. Grounded in real conditions.
95+ years of sustained operations at sea. Fundamental science, advanced engineering, and ocean operations - integrated, not isolated.
4
Translation to real-world contexts
Last step
Collaborative engagement designed to support informed planning, operations, and technology development under real ocean conditions.
Informed planning
Evidence-based decisions for infrastructure and assets
Operational support
Validated under real ocean conditions, not lab simulations
Technology development
Sustained deployment from prototype to application
Ready to explore participation?
Participation ranges from anchor engagement that helps shape priorities to project-focused participation through targeted activities and pilots.

Ways Organizations Engage

Collaborate with WHOI Experts

Work directly with WHOI scientists and engineers to identify opportunities, shape collaborative efforts, and advance shared priorities.

Participate in At-Sea Research and Testing

Engage in field-based research, technology validation, and ocean observations conducted under real-world conditions.

Co-develop Solutions for Real-World Challenges

Translate scientific discovery into practical applications through collaborative research and technology development.

Ocean IQ is designed to support learning and decision‑making through independent science and engineering—not to deliver commercial products, services, or predetermined outcomes.

Ocean science-and-technology-screen-2026-01-07-02-08-56-utc

The Front Door

OceanWorks

OceanWorks is WHOI's front door for industry engagement-helping organizations navigate capabilities, align questions with the right expertise, and engage in ways that are coordinated and appropriate for the work.

Visit Oceanworks
INTEGRATED

Collaborative Consortium

Industry + WHOI scientists and engineers

At sea

At‑Sea Deployment

Ships, AUVs, gliders, real ocean conditions

RESEARCH

Persistent Ocean Observing

MVCO, sensors, moorings, space‑to‑sea

PUBLIC

STEM & Workforce Development

Training the next generation of ocean engineers, operators, and technologists at sea

Ocean IQ integrates people, platforms, and pipelines to build enduring ocean capability.

Ocean conditions, observing capabilities, and decision needs are evolving rapidly. Early engagement through Ocean IQ helps ensure that emerging ocean science is translated into practice thoughtfully-grounded in evidence, transparency, and direct collaboration with WHOI teams.

Limited Invitation

Ocean IQTM Launch

July 15 & 16, 2026
Woods Hole, Massachusetts

Join us at WHOI to learn more about Ocean IQ, engage directly with researchers and engineers, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Ocean IQ is seeking organizations interested in advancing collaborative research and technology development with WHOI.

CONTACT WHOI OCEANWORKS:
oceanworks@whoi.edu

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