HydroTWIN – AIoT Underwater Acoustic Monitoring Platform (Portugal)

Quietly based in the Azores, HydroTWIN is turning the ocean’s natural soundscape into a strategic resource. This Portuguese deep-tech startup has developed an AI-driven platform that listens to underwater noise in real time, promising to safeguard marine life while enhancing maritime security. Born as a spin-off of blueOASIS in 2023, HydroTWIN has quickly attracted attention for its dual focus on environmental monitoring and defense applications. The company’s technology combines acoustic sensors, artificial intelligence, and IoT connectivity to create a digital twin of the ocean’s “heartbeat.” By detecting everything from whale calls to the telltale hum of ship engines, HydroTWIN offers insights that could transform how Europe monitors its waters. In an era when undersea infrastructure and naval assets face new threats, HydroTWIN’s innovation aligns with Europe’s push for technological sovereignty. The following analysis delves into how this young venture contributes to European strategic autonomy, NATO interoperability, and the reduction of reliance on non-allied suppliers, positioning itself at the forefront of underwater surveillance innovation.