Event Overview

USCMI Innovation Cafe: Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technologies for Maritime Applications

The USCMI Innovation Café is a free-to-participate forum that brings together innovators, developers, startups, shipping companies, shipyards, ports, small modular reactor (SMR) operators and key public-sector stakeholders to:

Identify emerging concepts, technologies and capabilities for the maritime use of SMR.
Understand the economics of innovative maritime SMR technologies and capabilities.

USCMI is interested in hearing about recent advancements in SMR technology and novel concept development that is U.S.-built scalable, repeatable, commercially viable, system-centric, SMR for deployment within the marine transportation system.

About the USCMI Innovation Café Series

USCMI Innovation Cafés are designed as focused engagements, bringing together diverse maritime stakeholders around priority topics identified in the USCMI Initial Project Portfolio and Research Priorities. Each Café spotlights a high-impact theme, such as advanced SMR technologies, artificial intelligence, autonomous and remotely operated systems, and next-generation shipboard energy solutions.

Real-world deployment
Regulatory consideration
Demonstration and investment

Call for Participation

Apply to be a General Attendee

Stakeholders wishing to attend should submit information describing their involvement in the maritime industry, with particular emphasis on maritime SMR technology.

Register Interest

Apply to Present Your Technology

Applications for technology presentations should include a brief description of the concept, technology, or capability and current development stage.

Submit Presentation Proposal

Apply to Participate in the Exhibitor Session

Applications for exhibitor sessions should include a description of technical features, level of development, and maritime applications.

Submit Exhibitor Proposal

May 19, 2026

AGENDA

1:00 – 1:30

Opening and Framing

Welcome and event objectives
Review of goals, expected outcomes, and ground rules
Orientation to session flow and participation

1:30 – 4:30

Emerging Technologies and Capabilities

Participants may engage in one or both tracks, with opportunities to rotate.

Track 1: Innovation Presentation

Short presentations with Q&A

Focus areas include:

SMR technologies for vessel propulsion
SMR technologies for floating power
Port, shipyard, and resilience use cases
Enabling technologies (safety systems, monitoring & controls, emergency response, shielding, containment, and operational integration)
Discussion of deployment models, infrastructure needs, and commercial feasibility

Presentations will be to a panel of industry and government representatives

Track 2: Exhibitor Sessions

Interactive exhibitor presentations from:

Technology developers and innovators
Research institutions, startups, national labs, and universities

Designed for in-depth, one-on-one conversations

Attendees include: Government officials, maritime operators, ports, shipyards, investors, insurers, and classification societies

4:30 – 4:45

Synthesis and Next Steps

Summary of key takeaways and themes
Highlights of promising applications and technologies
Overview of how insights will inform next-phase USCMI efforts, including regulatory pathway testing
Opportunities for continued engagement

Application Center

Additional supportive information may be sent to innovationcafe@USCMI.org

Apply to be a General Attendee

Stakeholders wishing to attend should describe their involvement in the maritime industry, emphasizing maritime SMR technology.

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Address *

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Country *

Phone Number *

Company *

Job Title *

Industry Involvement Description *

0 / 250

Additional supportive information may be sent to innovationcafe@USCMI.org

I consent to receive communications pertaining to the topics selected above from the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation and its Secretariat, ABS.

Apply to Present Your Technology

Applications should include a brief description of the concept; its current stage of development; and relevant applications.

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Address *

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Company *

Job Title *

Solution Description *

0 / 250

Additional supportive information may be sent to innovationcafe@USCMI.org

Company Description *

0 / 250

Additional supportive information may be sent to innovationcafe@USCMI.org

I consent to receive communications from the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation.

Apply to Participate in the Exhibitor Session

Applications should include a description of the concept; its technical features and current level of development.

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Address *

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Company *

Job Title *

Solution Description *

0 / 250

Additional supportive information may be sent to innovationcafe@USCMI.org

Company Description *

0 / 250

Additional supportive information may be sent to innovationcafe@USCMI.org

I consent to receive communications from the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation.

Submission Successful!

A representative from USCMI will be in touch with you regarding your request to participate.

This event is supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration under Agreement No. 693JF72450011 with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The views and conclusions expressed during this event are those of the participants and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions, policies, or endorsements of the U.S. Government. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or enterprises does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government.