The Algeciras Port Authority (APBA) has this year backed 29 initiatives proposed under the fourth call for proposals of the Ports 4.0 Innovation Fund, which is promoted by Puertos del Estado.
The deadline for submitting proposals in the categories of ideas and commercial projects for the fourth call for proposals of the Puertos 4.0 Innovation Fund passed on 31 March. This initiative, driven by the TradeTech ecosystem of Spanish Ports, is designed to support both national and international entrepreneurs and companies with innovative ideas or projects capable of transforming the logistics and port sector.
This call is aimed at ideas and projects in the commercial phase, that is, proposals in the initial stage of technological development (TRL 1-2) with expected outcomes such as proof of concept, and, on the other hand, projects at TRL 7-9, focused on the commercialisation and deployment of the product or service.
During the proposal submission period, which began last December with the publication of the terms and conditions in the Official State Gazette (BOE), the Port Authority received and analysed a total of 41 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.
Following a thorough analysis of how these initiatives align with the strategic innovation priorities and objectives defined by the Port of Algeciras, the organisation has decided to provide support to 29 initiatives, of which 15 are ideas and 14 are projects. For all 15 ideas, as well as 7 of the projects, the APBA has committed to playing an active role by acting as a facilitator for the proof-of-concept or pilot phase should the proposals be awarded funding. These proposals are based on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, blockchain and drones, and have focused on optimising operations, improving safety and promoting environmental and energy sustainability.
This new call for proposals from the Fund, governed by the same ministerial order as in previous editions, has a budget allocation of €6,750,000, thereby consolidating Puertos del Estado’s commitment to this instrument for promoting innovation.
The APBA has played a prominent role in the three previous calls, during which it received and analysed more than 130 proposals, supporting—either as a facilitating agent or through a letter of support—a total of 101 initiatives. Of these, 17 have ultimately been awarded grants.
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