Maritime robotics - seeing ideas deliver impact

Join us for this enlightening conversation with Dan Hook at The National Robotarium.

Dan, the co-founder of RAD Propulsion, is revolutionising the marine industry with modern electronics, power control, software, and connectivity technologies designed to reduce carbon footprint. Their flagship product, the RAD 40, an electric drive system with a 60hp equivalent, has already gained traction worldwide. The company has just closed £4.27m funding round.

During the event, he will share his insights as an innovator, entrepreneur, and business leader, offering invaluable advice relevant to startups utilising technology to drive impactful changes across other sectors, not just the marine industry.

We will also celebrate the startups participating in the Deep Tech Launchpad programme delivered by Heriot Watt GRID and funded by Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership programme. There'll be the chance to meet some of the founders who were part of the University of Edinburgh's Venture Builder Incubator 4.0 robotics cohort, also supported by Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership.

Finally, the event will close with the chance to network over food and refreshments in the Robotarium atrium.

The event details are as follows:

Date: Thursday 27 June
Time: Registration from 4.00. Event will start about 4.15pm. The event will close by 6.30pm.
Location: The National Robotarium, Heriot-Watt University Campus, Boundary Rd N, Third Gait, Edinburgh EH14 4AS

Travel: The 35, 45 and 25 bus routes all serve Heriot-Watt. If driving, please park in car park ‘I’ for visitors without permits. See below for map.

About Dan Hook

Dan Hook CEng, FRINA, is a naval architect and chartered engineer with over 20 years’ experience in the marine industry. Upon graduating from the University of Southampton, Dan worked on the development, testing and trials of a wide range of specialist craft. During this time, he recognised the potential within the unmanned vehicle industry and specialised in unmanned platform design.

Dan was one of the founding members of ASV Global, now known as L3 ASV and held the position of managing director as the company grew from two employees to about 150 before selling to L3 Harris Technologies. This company continues to be at the forefront of unmanned surface vehicles and has supplied systems around the world for defence, survey, oil and gas and scientific applications. Dan has since gone on to work with several small start-ups in the marine technology space with a focus on electric propulsion, low emissions and connectivity.

In addition to commercial business interests Dan is also a Trustee of the National Oceanography Centre and active on many industry/government initiatives to grow the UK marine industry.

Host or Publisher University of Edinburgh Venture Builder Incubator