Considering a Relocation or Expansion? Your Decision Should Be Autonomous.
When companies are considering where to expand, relocate, manufacture, test, or innovate, the decision should be based on more than a map. It should be based on access, infrastructure, workforce, partnerships, and growth potential. Harrison County is a hub for autonomous and unmanned technology, with more companies establishing operations to develop, test, manufacture, and advance it right here.
Ocean Aero, based at the Port of Gulfport, manufactures autonomous maritime vehicles that gather data both above and below the ocean's surface. The company recently announced an expansion of its operations in Gulfport, representing a $4 million corporate investment and creating 45 jobs.
Saronic Technologies announced it has expanded its operations to Gulfport, Mississippi, establishing an initial site for on-water testing of the company’s Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV), Marauder, at the Port of Gulfport.
Integer Technologies has established a Gulfport presence at The University of Southern Mississippi's Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise, working on technologies that support autonomous maritime systems.
Mythos AI adds another piece to the ecosystem. The maritime technology company participated in USM's Gulf Blue Navigator program in Gulfport, gaining access to the Coast's research, testing, collaboration, and maritime technology network. Mythos AI develops autonomous vessel technology, and its unmanned survey vessel, Archie One, has mapped underwater surfaces at the Port of Gulfport and other Mississippi ports.
Leidos has also conducted maritime autonomy demonstrations in Gulfport, including autonomous navigation and bathymetric survey work.
Karman Space & Defense adds another dimension to Harrison County’s maritime and defense ecosystem. In 2026, Karman completed its acquisition of Gulfport-based Seemann Composites, bringing the company’s advanced composite materials, acoustic coatings, propulsion systems, and manufacturing capabilities into Karman’s growing Maritime Defense Systems portfolio. Seemann’s technologies support submarines, surface vessels, and autonomous maritime platforms, further connecting Gulfport’s manufacturing expertise to the next generation of naval and unmanned systems.
Harrison County offers direct access to the Gulf of America, the Port of Gulfport, established maritime and shipbuilding infrastructure, research capabilities through The University of Southern Mississippi, and a workforce with experience in manufacturing, engineering, maritime operations, defense, and advanced technologies.
The Gulf Blue Mission Acceleration Connector's proposed Maritime AI & Robotics Operations Center in Gulfport will provide a public-facing demonstration and test facility for maritime robotic platforms and sensors operating across surface, subsurface, aerial, and space-based applications. That's more than a collection of individual assets.
Several companies are investing in Harrison County. If you are considering your company's next location, your decision should be autonomous, and HCDC is here to help make it happen.
