About BLUEiQ

Transforming undersea sound into actionable intelligence

The BLUEiQ Team standing on a dock.

Innovation

Leveraging advanced AI and edge computing to create cutting-edge solutions for underwater acoustic monitoring.

Experience

A wealth of knowledge and expertise in marine technology, defense, and environmental monitoring.

Commitment

Focused on protecting marine ecosystems, enhancing port security, and improving operational efficiency.

Collaboration

Working closely with customers to tailor solutions that meet their specific needs and challenges.

Meet the Founders

Sea-Level Experts

At BLUEiQ, we are charting new frontiers in acoustic AI sensing and edge intelligence, redefining how we understand and interact with the underwater sound world. Our team is a fusion of seasoned experts, visionary innovators, and relentless problem-solvers, united by a mission to push the boundaries of technology for defense, maritime security, and biodiversity intelligence.

Kim Gavin, CEO

From space satellites to seafloor sensing, Kim has spent 20+ years pushing the boundaries of sensor innovation, tech transition, and strategic growth across government, industry, and think tanks. A leader in emergent technologies, she thrives on turning cutting-edge research into real-world impact. As a mentor ambassador for women in science and technology, she’s not just shaping the future—she’s driving BLUEiQ to redefine persistent sensing with innovative impact.

Rob McGurrin, CTO

With 20+ years of expertise in underwater acoustics and signal processing, Rob leads the technical development of OpenEar technology, driving innovation from R&D to real-world deployment. A proven innovator with patented advancements, his work bridges cutting-edge AI sensing with practical solutions. Passionate about maritime domain awareness and noise pollution reduction, Rob ensures BLUEiQ’s technology is both impactful and mission-driven.

Awards

Testimonials

A Ripple Effect

It was a pleasure to work with the Blue IQ team as part of the Blue Institute 2024 BX4 Excelerator program and am confident we will see them grow and succeed in their important mission.
HSWRI is collaborating with BLUEiQ to track bottlenose dolphins living in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, now at risk due to human-generated pollutants. BLUEiQ’s cutting-edge OpenEar software-defined recording system is the best solution available to help us. BLUEiQ is pushing the boundaries of low power and AI technology within the field of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). As a team, we are planning a PAM-based observatory to track dolphins using their vocalizations as they move up and down the IRL. We may be able to monitor behaviors and identify individuals, assisted by BLUEiQ’s AI. BLUEiQ’s go-the-extra-mile participation and innovation has led to significant advancements in multi-use applications of OpenEar. Not only is it ideal for PAM, its low-power real-time sensing capabilities, enhanced by AI, make it a valuable tool for environmental monitoring and port/harbor security.
BLUEiQ participated in Gulf of Maine Research Institute's BlueTech Boost Incubator, a 10-week program tailored to support early-stage BlueTech companies in the Northeast Atlantic region. The program provided mentorship, grant funding, and GMRI research staff as technical advisors. During their participation, BLUEiQ focused on developing their v1 prototype, crafting a plan for in-water testing, and honing their product-market fit. The team demonstrated professionalism, eagerness, and ambition. Kim and Rob, who have a longstanding collaborative track record, showcased a robust partnership. While still early in their journey, they have made significant strides, securing strong traction through early pilots and refining their business model. We admire their mission, which aligns closely with our research focus at GMRI. They established a positive rapport with our science team, suggesting potential for future research collaborations. We enthusiastically support their progress!
BLUEiQ was one of six companies selected for the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Blue Navigator Cohort - 1, out of over 260 potential applicants. Applicants went through a rigorous selection process to be accepted into the program. BLUEiQ was selected based on the company’s strong leadership, technical expertise, and novelty of their innovative OpenEar AI acoustic sensor technology. From USM’s Center for Ocean Enterprise efforts in working with BLUEiQ on testing and demonstration projects for validating and enhancing BLUEiQ’s OpenEar acoustic AI technology, BLUEiQ has demonstrated superior technical capabilities and expertise. Their technology represents a significant innovation in the field of marine sensing technology. Based on this experience working with BLUEiQ I can highly recommend them without any reservation.
I mentored the BlueIQ team for several months as part of the Blue Excelerator program. Their advanced hydrophone is positioned to disrupt the stagnant hydrophone market by combining edge computing with low-power performance. Kim Gavin and Rob McGurrin are intelligent, focused, and committed to delivering a state-of-the-art acoustic solution that will expand ocean surveillance for multiple markets.
BlueIQ is a company to watch! They are making real contributions to advancing innovation within the blue economy.

Wave-Making Allies