Robert Dane is the founder and CEO of Ocius Technology Ltd. A passionate sailor and environmentalist, Robert invented and patented the solarsail in 1996 and designed and built the first solarsailor prototype, which won the Advanced Technology Boat Race in Canberra in 1997.

In 1999, he established a company that developed several award-winning hybrid solar ferries. By 2013, the company pivoted to building uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) for dual-use applications initially based at the University of NSW Sydney.

Since 2022, Ocius has been contracted by key partners including the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Border Force, Royal New Zealand Navy, and U.S. Prime Defence Contractor Thayer Mahan. In 2025, the company moved to new premises in Alexandria, and Robert was honoured with the Australian Naval Institute McNeil Award, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy.

Today, Ocius employs over 140 staff dedicated to the production and operation of its flagship Bluebottle Uncrewed Surface Vessels.