Florida International University (FIU) and technology start-up Tekmara have announced a partnership aimed at advancing underwater habitat technology through artificial intelligence, data integration, and marine robotics. The collaboration will utilize FIU Aquarius, the world’s only underwater research laboratory, located 60 feet below the ocean surface in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
The initiative involves deploying Tekmara’s sensor technology and AI-driven monitoring systems within the Aquarius facility. This integration is expected to enable real-time environmental monitoring, moving beyond traditional data collection. The new systems will help detect environmental anomalies such as pollution sources or oxygen depletion, and provide immediate responses. Renewable energy sources, including solar and marine energy, will largely power these systems.
FIU President Jeanette M. Nuñez commented on the project, stating, “This project brings together two of FIU’s priorities to help grow ocean exploration: environmental research and technology. What scientists learn at the Medina Aquarius Program will prove pivotal for the future of Florida’s tourism and economy. FIU will continue to lead the way in marine conservation and research.”
The collaboration is part of a broader effort to develop future underwater habitats, including Aquarius 2 and modular units for deployment worldwide. Scientists from FIU and technicians from Tekmara will work together to test autonomous systems and data platforms within the environment surrounding Aquarius.
Mike Heithaus, FIU Vice Provost of Environmental Resilience and marine ecologist, noted, “FIU Aquarius has long been a global asset for advancing scientific exploration, research and discovery. With these new advances, our habitat is becoming more efficient and more equipped to support the amazing work being done by FIU scientists, as well as scientists and industry partners from around the world.”
A significant aspect of the partnership is transitioning FIU Aquarius to wireless data storage and transmission. This change will result in a continuously operating smart lab on the seafloor that delivers critical scientific insights related to global marine health.
The AI-enabled monitoring knowledge will be integrated into FIU’s Medina Aquarius Program, which supports research and education on marine ecosystems. These advancements are expected to enhance training programs for scientists and astronauts using the facility’s unique environment. The new systems are also designed to improve safety by tracking surface vessels and alerting enforcement officials about unauthorized activities within the protected sanctuary.
Tekmara founder Todd Kleperis said, “FIU is a fantastic partner in the pursuit of making marine protected areas secure. The potential exists to take what we’re doing here at FIU Aquarius and expand into other parts of the world.”
The announcement follows recent support from Congressmen Mario-Diaz Balart and Carlos A. Gimenez. FIU has received $1 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the Medina Aquarius Program instrumentation project. This funding will enhance oceanographic instrumentation and communications capabilities at Aquarius Reef Base. The upgraded system aims to help scientists better understand ecological conditions in coastal south Florida. Additionally, real-time data from these instruments will be made available online for public access globally.
