Smart Port Challenge is an annual innovation competition that seeks the best ideas and solutions from technology start-ups to address innovation challenges or opportunities posed by maritime companies in Singapore, one of the world’s leading port hubs. Launched in 2017 by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Smart Port Challenge became the flagship programme of PIER71, the MPA’s open innovation initiative, when it was founded in 2018.
This innovation competition focuses on innovative ideas that support the digital transformation of the maritime, port and logistics industry; proposals must focus on 5 focus areas from smart ports, green technology and decarbonisation, smart ships, smart maritime services and supply chain, or safety, training and crew welfare.
Successful proposals become part of a unique six-week market validation and customer discovery programme, supported by world-class business training delivered by NUS Enterprise and designed specifically for the maritime sector. Services offered include mentoring and coaching, access to workshops and masterclasses by industry veterans and subject matter experts, product and business model validation services, sponsored residency, the ability to apply for grants of up to S$100,000 for prototype development, and more.
All of this culminates in a grand finale event where the best teams have the opportunity to present their proposals to judges, partners, investors and other maritime industry veterans for the top financial prizes offered by the competition.
The programme generally opens in June on an annual basis, with an application period of around 2 months.
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