Conference Background
As an international maritime center, Hong Kong has consistently prioritized the development of its blue economy. In the "Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint" released in 2022, the government explicitly emphasized the integration of advanced research and development with traditional maritime strengths, aiming to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a regional hub for high-end marine technology.
The "Northern Metropolis Development Strategy," a long-term urban planning initiative, designates the development of new marine science and technology infrastructure as a key pillar for regional growth. This strategy reflects a commitment to fostering synergy between academic research in marine engineering and commercial applications, ensuring that Hong Kong remains a critical node in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s marine innovation network.
By 2025, Hong Kong has intensified its focus on marine environmental monitoring, deep-sea exploration, and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) technologies. Local policies continue to encourage investment in marine-related startup clusters, with the goal of increasing the contribution of marine-focused research and development to the city's overall GDP. As WUWNet'26 convenes in Hong Kong, it underscores the city’s ongoing transition towards a research-driven, globally connected center for underwater network systems and marine technological innovation.
Conference Invitation
The 20th International Conference on Underwater Networks and Systems (WUWNet'26) will be held in Hong Kong. As a premier global maritime hub and a center for oceanographic research, Hong Kong possesses deep-water harbor facilities and advanced marine infrastructure. Through its continued commitment to the innovation and development of the blue economy, Hong Kong serves as a strategic gateway for integrating cutting-edge digital technologies with marine exploration.
The city hosts a thriving research ecosystem, supported by world-class universities and marine engineering institutions, providing a robust platform for exploring the next generation of underwater communication, sensing, and navigation systems. WUWNet'26 will convene in Hong Kong to facilitate critical academic exchange and industry collaboration, aimed at advancing underwater technology within the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. We cordially invite you to join us as we explore the future of deep-sea technology.
News
- May 28, 2026: WUWNet’26 website went online.
Conference Details
The International Conference on Underwater Networks and Systems (WUWNet) brings together outstanding researchers and entrepreneurs from all over the world to share cutting-edge scientific and technological achievements in the fields of underwater communication, networks and systems, covering underwater communication and networks, underwater sensing and detection, underwater robots, marine engineering and equipment, and other fields. The conference was launched in the United States in 2006 and has been successfully held for 18 sessions. WUWNet has become the global flag conference for underwater communications, networks and systems. Please stay tuned and more detailed conference information will be announced successively.
Submission Deadline
| Full and short paper submission: | August 21, 2026
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| Extended abstract submission: | September 07, 2026
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| Acceptance notification: | September 21, 2026
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