AIMM ICC

AIMM ICCWelcome to the Artificial Intelligence Maritime Maneuver Indiana Collegiate Challenge, also referred to as AIMM ICC. We are excited to partner with you and explore the possibilities within the challenge.

This page serves to provide an overview of the event, key dates and upcoming events, rules and regulations, points of contact and team leads. 

Overview

Trine University, in partnership Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane), with the support of the Office of Naval Research (ONR), will host the AIMM ICC April 16-17, 2027, at Pokagon State Park, Indiana. 

The unique partnership, funded by ONR, focuses on providing a low-cost, easy-to-build, low profile vessel (LPV) that can be made fully autonomous for a variety of mission sets; supply deliver system, stealth missions, locator purposes, etc. 

The grant allowed Trine University to purchase state-of-the-art equipment used to aid in the design and build of LPVs that will be distributed to each university participating in the challenge. Each university will not only receive a built LPV and sensor package, but will also receive financial stipends to offset materials and labor. 

Purpose of the challenge: To demonstrate the ability to make a fully autonomous LPV and develop solutions for a mixed set of objectives.

Key Dates and Upcoming Events

Date Event
TBD University Kickoff Meeting
September 25, 2026 Participant Roster Due
October 2026-January 2027 Office Hours
1st & 3rd Friday (Time TBD)
February-April 2027 Office Hours
Weekly Friday (Time TBD)
April 2, 2027 Technical Design Report Submission
April 15, 2027 Collegiate Team Arrival & Check-In
April 16, 2027 Honored Guest Tour
STEM Activity Day
DoD Career Fair
Team Field Trials
AIMM Presentations
April 17, 2027 AIMM Course Competition
Awards / Dinner

*Office Hours: NSWC Crane will provide virtual monthly office hours with technical advisors and leads to address any questions/concerns your team may have. Questions may be submitted prior to the office hours or during office hours. Dates and times are TBD, but will be updated and invites will be sent out to the universities.

*Please note dates and times are always subject to change, but we will communicate early and often to avoid any confusion.

Points of Contact

Trine University

  • Jason Blume: Program Lead
    blumej@trine.edu
  • James Tew: Communications Lead
  • Ben Darnell: Events Lead
  • Megan Stoy: STEM Activity Day Lead

NSWC Crane

  • Amy Ruggles: Program Support
    amy.c.ruggles.ctr@us.navy.mil

  • Dan Cabel: Portfolio Manager

  • Jon Dilger, Ph.D.: Technical Advisor & University Liaison

ONR

  • Christine Buzzell: Program Officer