The Port of Barcelona selects eight international startups to lead global maritime innovation

Innovation and the Blue Economy

The Lighthouse International Acceleration Program, promoted by BlueTechPort and the Port of Barcelona, ​​has announced the eight startups from seven countries that will participate in its first edition. The projects, focused on logistics, sustainability, and digitalization, will conduct pilot tests at the port until November 2026.

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The innovation hub BlueTechPort It introduces the pioneers who will transform the maritime sector from Barcelona

El Port de Barcelona It becomes a global innovation lab with the presentation of the eight start-ups international selections for the Lighthouse International Acceleration ProgramThe initiative, led by BlueTechPort with the technical support of Mind the Bridge, seeks to accelerate disruptive solutions in logistics, port operations and the blue economy.

Launched in April 2026, the program will run from July 6 to November 5, 2026, offering startups a real-world testing environment for their technologies. The projects were selected from over 65 global applications based on their technological maturity, market potential, and alignment with key verticals such as port automation, sustainability, and marine biotechnology. start-ups They will benefit from plenary sessions, business and technical mentoring, and access to a powerful investor network.

A strategic commitment to the blue economy

The presentation day served to highlight the importance of public-private collaboration in the transformation of the sector. Emma Cobos, Director of Innovation and Blue Economy Strategy at Port de BarcelonaHe emphasized that "the maritime sector is undergoing a transformation driven by sustainability, digitalization, and innovation. Lighthouse International Acceleration Program "It's not just an acceleration initiative, it's a strategic investment in the future of our port and the blue economy."

For its part, Rubén HernándezResponsible for BlueTechPort and Strategic Development of World Trade Center BarcelonaHe stated that the industry is ready for profound change. “From emissions compliance to port automation, marine robotics, and sustainable packaging, the solutions already exist. The Program Lighthouse "It is the bridge between these innovations and the port ecosystem," he explained.

The port's role as a "living laboratory" was highlighted by Carles Anglada, CEO of World Trade Center Barcelona: "BlueTechPort It's much more than a hub: it's a living laboratory. Opening the Port de Barcelona a start-ups From all over the world, we transform real operational challenges into innovation opportunities. Finally, Francesca Cavanna, general manager for Europa de Mind the BridgeHe concluded that access to real-world environments is key. start-ups They don't need to relocate to grow. They need access to real-world environments, pilot opportunities, and strategic partners. Lighthouse "It offers these three elements," he pointed out.

The eight startups that will shape the future of the maritime sector

The final selection represents geographical and technological diversity, with companies from seven countries across three continents. The solutions range from automating ESG reports and port coordination using AI to decentralized hydrogen generation and creating regenerative packaging from algae.

Startup	Country of origin	Innovation Area
MarinaChain	Singapur	Automation of compliance with marine emissions regulations (AI).
Heyport	Alemania	Digital platform for coordinating port operations.
Pharaday	Francia	Data hub (AI) to automate maritime agent workflows.
Gatein.ai	EE.UU.	Machine vision for tracking containers and trailers.
Methanol Reformer	España	Decentralized generation of hydrogen and electricity from methanol.
Linsol	Corea del Sur	Ultrasonic acoustic detection of gas leaks and electrical faults.
KOAI	Corea del Sur	Autonomous marine robotics for monitoring and waste collection.
Notpla	Reino Unido	Regenerative and biodegradable packaging made from algae.

The program will culminate with the Innovation Days, which will be held on November 2nd and 3rd, and the final presentation of the projects during the Smart City Expo World Congress-Tomorrow.Blue Economy, which will take place from November 3 to 5, 2026 in Barcelona.

Key points and frequently asked questions about the Lighthouse Program and port innovation

What opportunities does this program offer to Spanish companies in the logistics sector?

For Spanish businesses, this program represents an opportunity to connect with cutting-edge technologies worldwide. Logistics and export companies can identify strategic partners to optimize their operations, improve their sustainability, and digitize their supply chains, positioning themselves at the forefront of sector innovation.

How will the implementation of these technologies impact the operations of the Port of Barcelona?

Adopting these solutions could radically transform the port's efficiency and sustainability. Technologies such as AI from Heyport or the artificial vision of Gatein.ai They can reduce waiting times and operational errors. In turn, projects like the one Methanol Reformer o Notpla They will boost the port's decarbonization goals.

What should exporters know about the 'blue economy' and innovation in ports?

Exporters must understand that the 'blue economy' is not just a trend, but the future of sustainable international trade. Innovation in ports (digitalization, green fuels, automation) will directly impact the costs, efficiency, and traceability of their goods. Adapting to smarter, more sustainable ports will be a key competitive advantage.