Zelim expands defense engagement with new business unit

September 17, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Technology company Zelim has launched a new dedicated business unit to meet the growing demand from the global defense sector.

Zelim’s new business unit consolidates all defense activities under one structure, enabling the Edinburgh-based company to respond more quickly to opportunities and adapt products to military requirements.

Driving demand is Zelim’s flagship product, ZOE, which was originally developed for man-overboard (MOB) detection and delivers continuous, AI-powered surveillance of a vessel’s surrounding maritime environment.

The ZOE solution is now being expanded to include ZOE Shield, which provides surveillance for detecting unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and other threats to military assets, and ZOE Lookout, which enhances maritime situational awareness by detecting hazards.

The move builds on a year of heightened industry engagement, culminating in a technology demonstration onboard a frigate at NATO’s naval exercise, REPMUS. This is preceded by a demonstration to the US Navy in Newport in August, and a recent showcase to a UK defense prime for their counter-USV program.

US Navy taps Zelim to trial AI-driven uncrewed vessel detection

Equipment & technology

“Over the past 12 months, interest in our technology from defence stakeholders has grown dramatically,” said Sam Mayall, CEO of Zelim.

“We’ve had direct approaches from Navies, invitations to participate in high-profile trials, and requests from prime contractors to collaborate. The defence business unit is our way of scaling up to meet demand from Navies around the world.”

Zelim’s new defence division will also oversee the adaptation of its Swift recovery platform and Guardian unmanned vessel for military use.

“Defence customers want advanced solutions they can use now, not in five years. With a dedicated, experienced defence team in place, we deliver confidence to the sector that we are ready to meet its immediate requirements,” Andy Tipping, Zelim’s Business Development Director, stated.