The Port of Huelva hosted, last Wednesday 27th November, the Forum ‘Innovation Challenges in Andalusian Ports’, organised by Suncruise Andalucía and the Port Authority of Huelva. An event that has established itself as a space of reference to discuss and share ideas on digital transformation and sustainability in the nautical and cruise sector in Andalusia, reinforcing the region’s leadership in innovation and port management.
Through a hybrid format (face-to-face and streaming), the conference brought together leading representatives from the public and private sector, as well as experts in technology, sustainability and digital transformation. The main objective is to enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of Andalusian ports, exploring the latest technological solutions to meet the current and future challenges of the industry.
Within the framework of the Forum, the Open Innovation Challenge Prize, organised by Suncruise Andalucía, was awarded. These awards, now in their third edition, continue to focus on seeking disruptive solutions that drive digital transformation, accessibility and sustainability in the port industry, encouraging collaboration between companies, startups, universities and institutions. This year, two proposals stood out for their ability to solve the challenges posed by the port authorities of Algeciras and Huelva.
Specifically, the first of the challenges, proposed by the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras and entitled ‘Improving the experience of passengers with disabilities (PCD) and reduced mobility (PMR)’, sought to convert the ports of Algeciras and Tarifa into inclusive and accessible spaces. The winning proposal, presented by Optimiz3D Engineering, proposes the use of Augmented Reality techniques to develop an application focused on improving the crossing experience for passengers with special needs, guiding them and offering them information of interest during their passage through the port facilities and thus transforming these ports into more inclusive and participatory environments.
On the other hand, the second challenge entitled ‘A port for all: Development of interactive experiences for all ages’, promoted by the Port Authority of Huelva, aimed to enrich the tourist experience of cruise passengers and their families through digital entertainment. The winning initiative, presented by Mechanic Games, proposes technological solutions, centred on gamification, which combine fun and learning for children, while facilitating access to public information on the tourist attractions of the Port of Huelva.
With digital transformation and sustainability at its core, the Open Innovation Challenge Prize ratifies Suncruise Andalucía’s commitment to creating an inclusive ecosystem of open innovation that transcends regional borders, involving national and international entrepreneurs in the search for real solutions to the challenges of the sector.
Finally, another of the highlights of the day was the round table moderated by Esther Molina, managing director of Suncruise Andalucía, and in which the APBA was represented by Daniel Hernández, Director of the Innovation Office. Under the title ‘Innovation as an engine of change in Andalusian ports’, the debate brought together experts from different institutions and companies who shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of digitisation in the sector.
With this initiative, Suncruise Andalusia reaffirms its commitment to the creation of an ecosystem that integrates all the actors of the sector, promoting sustainability, innovation and digital transformation as pillars of its strategy.
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