The deadline for submitting projects in the pre-commercial category for the third call of the Ports 4.0 innovation fund, an initiative promoted by the TradeTech ecosystem of Spanish Ports and designed to support entrepreneurs and companies, both national and international, with innovative ideas or projects capable of transforming the port-logistics sector, ended on 24 March.
This call is aimed at projects in the pre-commercial phase, i.e. those that have already successfully passed the experimental proof of concept (TRL3). Its objective is to allow the validation of proposals in real environments or to reach a technological maturity level TRL7.
During the period for the presentation of proposals, which began last December with the publication of the terms and conditions in the Official State Gazette (BOE), the APBA has received and analysed a total of 26 proposals. This confirms the interest generated by the Port of Algeciras among national and international companies and start-ups, reinforcing its consolidation as an international Port Living Lab.
After an exhaustive analysis of their alignment with the strategic focuses and objectives of innovation defined in the Port of Algeciras, the organisation has opted to provide support to 17 initiatives. In 14 of these, the APBA has committed itself to assume an active role by participating as a facilitating agent of the pilot test in the event that the proposals are beneficiaries of the aid. These proposals are based on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, blockchain and drones, and are focused on optimising operations and promoting environmental and energy sustainability.
The total amount of this call for projects amounts to €11,250,000. A maximum funding of 60% of the costs associated in the project budget with the innovation component is offered, with a maximum limit of one million euros for the duration of the call. The purpose of these grants is to help develop a new product, service, process, or improve an existing technology with a new innovative component, developing its application for the logistics-port sector.
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