Smart Port Challenge 2026 Marks 10 Years of Growing Maritime Innovation 

Record 586 proposals from 39 countries, with new technologies for smarter, safer and more sustainable maritime operations

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and NUSX, the entrepreneurial heart of the National University of Singapore (NUS), announced the winners of the 10th PIER71 Smart Port Challenge (SPC) at its Grand Finale today. From AI and robotics innovation for ships, to port automation and maritime cybersecurity solutions, this year’s Challenge attracted a record 586 proposals from 281 start-ups across 39 countries (see Annex A), reflecting growing international interest in developing technology solutions for the maritime industry.

Showcasing Maritime Innovation at SPC 2026

2. Ocean Intelligence from Australia won the Top Start-up Prize for its AI-powered voyage optimisation platform that incorporates ocean currents, weather conditions and vessel characteristics to identify more fuel-efficient routes. Vueron Technology from South Korea received the Top Scale-up Prize for its AI-powered LiDAR perception solutions for autonomous mobility and industrial safety. The prizes, at S$15,000 each, were sponsored by Columbia Group and Temasek respectively. Trunk Technology (Beijing) from China was also acknowledged by the Judges with a Special Mention.

3. Four thematic prizes of S$10,000 each were also awarded: Underwater Solution from South Korea received the Digitalisation Prize, sponsored by RINA; Ocean Intelligence from Australia received the Maritime Green Technologies Prize, sponsored by OCBC; Trunk Technology (Beijing) from China received the Smart Port Prize, sponsored by PSA Singapore and PSA Ventures; and Vueron Technology from South Korea received the Smart Shipping Prize, sponsored by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). Details of the winners are in Annex B.

4. The finalists and semi-finalists also demonstrated the breadth of technologies being developed for maritime operations. Robotic systems that automate cargo hold cleaning and confined-space inspections reduce the need for personnel to enter hazardous environments. AI-powered cybersecurity platforms monitor onboard IT and operational technology networks in real time, detecting threats as they emerge. Biological sensor networks use molluscs as living sensors, giving ports early warning of oil leaks and toxic discharges. Together, these solutions point to exciting opportunities to make the maritime industry safer, greener and more secure. The full list of finalists and semi-finalists, their countries of origin and proposed solutions is in Annex C.

5. From this year’s submissions, 21 start-ups from 11 countries were selected for the 10-week SPC Accelerate programme[1], with eight progressing to the Grand Finale. Participants worked on solutions addressing 20 innovation opportunities identified by maritime companies across digitalisation, maritime green technologies, next generation port and smart shipping. Letters of Intent were signed between participating start-ups and 28 maritime companies to explore proof-of-concept and pilot projects.

Ten Years of Growing Maritime Innovation

6. Since the first Smart Port Challenge in 2017, SPC has grown to a record 586 proposals from 281 start-ups across 39 countries this year. Over its 10 editions, the Challenge has attracted over 2,100 proposals and nurtured over 200 startups through the SPC Accelerate Programme bringing together technology companies and maritime industry partners to develop solutions for operational needs. 

7. PIER71 has also supported more than 200 start-ups since 2018, which have collectively raised S$180 million in capital. Among its alumni, BeeX, an SPC 2020 winner, completed a S$10 million fundraising round this year to expand its autonomous underwater vehicle operations internationally. CRecTech, an SPC 2023 runner-up, signed a technology agreement with Pertamina NRE in 2026 to supply catalyst technology for a pilot plant in Indonesia exploring bio-methanol production.

Helping Maritime Start-ups Commercialise and Scale

8. PIER71 is extending its support beyond the development and testing of solutions to help maritime start-ups access investors and overseas markets. As part of SPC 2026, two initiatives introduced in April — Venture2Capital[2] and Ascend[3] — provide additional opportunities for start-ups to secure investment connections and pursue overseas business development.

9. Venture2Capital’s inaugural edition connected six SPC participating start-ups with 11 venture capital and corporate investors to present their solutions and discuss potential investment opportunities. Ascend’s inaugural cohort includes BeeCharge, which develops solar-powered mobile charging solutions supported by predictive energy management software. BeeCharge has begun engaging maritime industry contacts in Europe to explore potential business partnerships.

10. PIER71 also expanded its international network this year through partnerships with Digital Hub Logistics & Commerce in Hamburg, PortXL in Rotterdam and Braid Theory in Los Angeles. These partnerships provide selected start-ups with access to overseas innovation programmes, industry networks and market-entry support in Europe and the United States. KinetixPro, an SPC 2024 alumnus whose computer vision platform uses existing CCTV infrastructure to monitor safety risks, is establishing Hamburg as a base for its European expansion through Digital Hub Logistics & Commerce’s network. The new agreements add to PIER71’s network of over 70 industry partners.

11. PIER71 is also attracting international technology companies to establish a presence in Singapore. Through its Landing Pad programme[4], four start-ups from Belgium, Germany, China and India incorporated businesses in Singapore this year. The programme currently has 39 active members. Among them is Belgian drone logistics company ADLC, which obtained a Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit covering beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations and the carriage of dangerous goods. On 17 August 2026, ADLC subsequently demonstrated a 13-kilometre cargo drone route between the Maritime Drone Estate and Pulau Sebarok, illustrating the potential for drone deliveries to offshore maritime facilities. See Annex D for details on PIER71 international partnerships and other notable community activities in 2026.

12. Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said, “Over the past decade, the Smart Port Challenge has brought technology start-ups and maritime companies together to develop solutions for industry needs. The range of technologies showcased this year reflects the opportunities for innovation across maritime operations. We will continue to help promising start-ups develop and commercialise their solutions, connect with investors and reach international markets, while attracting new capabilities and investments that strengthen Maritime Singapore.”

13. Dr Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice President (Innovation and Enterprise), said, “Raising capital remains one of the hardest steps for deep tech founders. This is why PIER71 does more than nurture ideas. With the Smart Port Challenge and Venture2Capital, we are bringing start-ups closer to real deployment, which is what gives investors confidence. PIER71 start-ups have now collectively raised more than S$180 million, and we are building a clear pathway from pilot to scale for maritime innovators.”

14. Mr Demetris Chrysostomou, Columbia Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said, “At Columbia Group, we believe in contributing to the wider maritime ecosystem by supporting initiatives that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. The PIER71 Smart Port Challenge provides an important platform for emerging companies to develop their ideas alongside industry partners, and we are pleased to contribute our experience and support to this initiative.”

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