The solution
Dolphin Labs is revolutionising ocean power with its xNode wave energy converter (WEC), a persistent, renewable energy source designed to power ocean monitoring systems, underwater vehicles, maritime communications, and remote sensing networks.
The xNode taps into the endless energy of ocean waves, solving the power challenge that has long hindered the expansion of autonomous maritime systems. Unlike solar or battery-based solutions, the xNode generates uninterrupted electricity, enabling long-duration, self-sustaining ocean operations.
The xNode consists of two primary components:
- A rigid core housing the power generation, energy storage, and communications payloads
- An inflatable collar, which allows buoyancy control for stability in varied sea states. It can also raise or lower itself to avoid storms, surface threats, or detection
The team
Rolle Hogan (CEO & Co-founder)
Rolle brings deep experience in the energy industry as well as as an entrepreneur. He spent 17 years working in energy, at Shell, BG Group, and the Hess Corporation. Prior to Dolphin Labs, he founded a business in the blockchain and IoT space.
Michael Kelly (CTO & Co-founder)
Michael is a leading technical expert in wave energy with experience in hardware and the ocean space. Previous roles include research work at NREL and test engineering for diesel engine performance at equipment manufacturer Caterpillar. At UC Berkeley, he earned his PhD in mechanical and ocean engineering, studying performance of wave energy converters.
Chris Rauch (CPO & Co-founder)
Chris brings similar experience in manufacturing and in the ocean space. Having studied architecture and marine engineering, he spent four years as a senior engineer at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, working with AUVs. He also spent three years at L3Harris, the defense industry disruptor.
Why we’re excited to invest
Olivia Brooks, Head of Investments at Blue Action Accelerator, says: “Dolphin Labs is setting the foundation for an ocean powered by the ocean itself—enabling real-time environmental monitoring, persistent surveillance, and reliable offshore infrastructure. What Rolle and his team are building is rapidly accelerating access to sea-based, clean, renewable energy, powering operations for a number of exciting industries (shipping, defence, conservation, research, etc.) We’re delighted to welcome them to Blue Action Accelerator and play a part in their exciting journey.”
What they’re looking to get out of the program
- Support in identifying and building out market opportunities in the Blue Economy
- Strategic advice on fundraising and investor positioning to attract seed and follow-on investment
- Operational support and design input for deployments and testing in real world environments
- Strategic partnerships and Blue Economy ecosystem integrations
