CalWave (Dolphin Labs): Strategic-Technological Analysis

American startup Dolphin Labs, a spin-off of California’s wave energy firm CalWave, is quietly reshaping how remote maritime sensors are powered and connected. Specializing in converting ocean wave motion into electricity, Dolphin Labs has developed the xNode – a buoy-like platform that generates persistent power from waves and can host a suite of maritime sensors. The company’s primary focus is on enhanced maritime domain awareness and offshore surveillance, providing autonomous, renewable-powered sensor networks for defense and environmental monitoring. By ensuring critical ocean sensors stay online continuously – even through storms – this innovative venture aligns with rising demands for resilient marine infrastructure. Dolphin Labs exemplifies the blend of renewable energy and defense technology that is increasingly relevant to NATO and European security objectives. Its story offers insight into how a new class of ocean technology can bolster strategic autonomy and supply chain resilience in the Euro-Atlantic sphere.