Autonomous Ships and the Future of Naval Defense
What does it take to build a ship that can spend months at sea without a crew?
Navy veteran Rylan Hamilton is working to find out. At Blue Water Autonomy, his team is developing a vessel designed to extend the US Navy’s reach while keeping sailors out of harm’s way. From testing on the water to navigating government contracts, this episode explores the conviction, capital, and risks behind a new generation of defense technology.
As autonomous systems move into real-world environments, they promise to extend reach and reduce risk—but also raise a deeper question about what it takes to build, back, and trust technology when the stakes are so high.
Guests include:
- Rylan Hamilton, CEO and Co-Founder of Blue Water Autonomy
- Renny McPherson, Co-Founder of First In
- Beth Macdonald, Head of Business Operations at Blue Water Autonomy
- Dean Dimizas, Partner for the Private Client Practice at Cambridge Associates
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Listen nowAbout Unseen Upside: Investments Beyond Their Returns
Today’s investment decisions drive tomorrow’s innovations. Through conversations with investors and entrepreneurs, discover how strategic investments can impact our lives in unexpected ways. Powered by the network of Cambridge Associates, host Hillary Ribaudo explores the investments being made that will redefine our future. Join us to uncover the Unseen Upside.
Our podcast is developed in partnership with PRX, an award-winning podcast media company. Unseen Upside was named a Best Branded Podcast Honoree by the 28th and 30th Annual Webby Awards. The podcast also won the International Women’s Podcast Awards for a “A Moment of Visionary Leadership” in 2024.
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About Cambridge Associates
Cambridge Associates is a global investment firm with 50+ years of institutional investing experience. The firm aims to help pension plans, endowments & foundations, healthcare systems, and private clients achieve their investment goals and maximize their impact on the world. Cambridge Associates delivers a range of services, including outsourced CIO, non-discretionary portfolio management, staff extension and alternative asset class mandates. Contact us today.