Open Innovation

At a key moment for the digital transformation of Andalusia’s productive fabric, the Port of Algeciras is positioning itself as one of the pillars of the Mision initiative, an ambitious programme promoted by the Regional Government of Andalusia, through the Andalusian Digital Agency and various local partners, to promote digital entrepreneurship in strategic sectors of the Andalusian economy.

This mission, which offers programmes tailored to the needs of digital entrepreneurship projects with strategic resources, key connections and investment opportunities for start- ups that want to lead the transformation of their sector, is structured around four innovation centres distributed throughout the autonomous community, one of which is located in the facilities of the Algeciras Port Authority, with a clear focus: to promote digital entrepreneurial talent and revolutionise maritime and port logistics.

With a budget of €1.4 million, the space is designed, like its counterparts in El Ejido, Jaén and Alhaurín de la Torre, as an open collaboration environment where start-ups, SMEs, large corporations, universities and public administrations come together.

Specifically, the Algeciras centre specialises in hosting projects that explore emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and blockchain, applied to the maritime supply chain. These tools enable complex challenges to be addressed, such as the traceability of goods, the automation of port operations, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Its purpose is twofold: on the one hand, to accelerate the development of disruptive digital solutions that respond to the challenges of the logistics and port sector; on the other, to strengthen the Andalusian business ecosystem, facilitating its adaptation to an increasingly competitive and technologically demanding environment.

One of the centre’s distinguishing features is its cutting-edge technological equipment. It has been equipped with IoT networks, portable 5G nodes, augmented reality glasses, smart sensors, drones, and development kits for technologies such as GPS, RFID, and NFC. This infrastructure allows entrepreneurs to experiment and validate their solutions in a real- world environment, with access to state-of-the-art tools.

In addition to its technological focus, the centre offers a comprehensive programme of support for entrepreneurship. This includes incubation, acceleration and high- performance personalised consulting services, as well as access to investment through business angel networks, venture capital funds and family offices.

It also has exhibition spaces and laboratories where entrepreneurs can test and showcase their solutions in real-world conditions.

Furthermore, with the aim of raising awareness, with the help of industry experts, of the different aspects of the maritime-port business, success stories of technological application in this field, and the digital ecosystem of a state-of-the-art logistics hub such as the Port of Algeciras, a comprehensive industry training programme is included, based on workshops, masterclasses, and presentations, highlighting topics such as terminal automation, artificial intelligence applied to logistics, the use of blockchain for goods traceability, and cybersecurity in critical infrastructures. Key issues such as energy sustainability, the circular economy in port environments, and maritime route planning using big data are also addressed.

In this regard, to strengthen the collaboration network, the centre organises multiple networking sessions aimed at strengthening links between entrepreneurs, experts and institutions. All of this allows participants to gain a broader view of the ecosystem, identify opportunities for collaboration and compare their strategies with expert profiles.

Finally, project support is reinforced by a network of more than 300 specialised mentors and a continuous learning community.