2021 UMS News Highlights
Justin Manley
Virtual CxO - Technologist, Executive, Advisor in Oceantech and Robotics
2021 delivered a vibrant UMS Market. Looking at key indicators:
-Mergers, acquisitions, investments, and joint ventures were strong with 28 major acquisitions or investments. Q4 brough a solid finish with over $700M in venture capital and/or public investment in UMS companies.
-New UMS platforms and sensors continue to be introduced. 2021 saw more than 50 announcements in this category. Developments were almost evenly split between new vehicle platforms and enabling sensors/systems. Q4 saw 7 distinct software solutions announced, a new category to track distinct from vehicles or sensors.
-US Navy news was dynamic all year with numerous references to ongoing test and evaluation of UMS technologies, high-level leadership commentaries on strategies and policies, and many RFPs. Global defense UMS news was not quite as vibrant, but MCM was a strong theme throughout the year.
-The ongoing evolution of the commercial maritime sector was a major trend in 2021. Energy and?oceantech?companies continue to adapt to a future focused on renewable energy and decarbonization. Q4 saw significant macro-economic developments including significant interest in offshore wind and carbon capture and sequestration. Autonomous shipping was another common theme.
Overall, the story of UMS in 2021 was one of growing investment, new technologies, and innovative business models. Despite a global pandemic and tangled supply chains,?oceantech?and uncrewed systems are on the upswing across all market segments.