The Valenciaport Foundation places its 5G pilot projects in the 'top 10' in Europe

Port Innovation

The Valenciaport Foundation has presented its report for the first half of 2026, highlighting the European Commission's recognition of its five 5G pilot projects. The CEO, Antonio Torregrosa, detailed the management of 41 innovation projects and the roadmap for the digitalization and decarbonization of the Port of Valencia.

---

The Port of Valencia consolidates its position as a leading innovation hub in Europe

La Fundación Valenciaport has presented the results of its activity during the first half of 2026, a period marked by the support of the Comisión Europea to its technology strategy and the approval of the 2025 financial statements by its Board of Trustees. During the meeting, the entity's CEO, Antonio Torregrosa, explained the management of 41 active innovation projects, of which 95% are co-financed by the Unión Europea.

In his speech, Torregrosa He emphasized that this boost consolidates the Puerto de Valencia as a leading ecosystem in the implementation of advanced technological solutions for the logistics and port sector. "Our goal is not only to lead, but also to transfer this knowledge to the entire port community to improve the competitiveness of Spanish businesses," he stated.

European recognition for technological leadership and decarbonization

The most significant milestone of the semester has been the recognition received by the project IMAGINE B5G. The Comisión Europea has included the five 5G technology pilot projects developed in the Puerto de Valencia between the ten greatest achievements in port technological innovation on the continentThis distinction highlights the foundation's strategic commitment to advanced connectivity as a pillar for automation and operational efficiency.

In parallel, the sustainability and decarbonization work has successfully completed two key projects: HYPOBATT , focused on developing an ultra-fast charging system for electric vessels, and AENEAS , focused on onboard electrical energy storage. Both initiatives are fundamental to the energy transition of maritime transport and the reduction of the carbon footprint in the port environment.

New projects and strategic roadmap for 2026

The foundation's portfolio has been expanded with two new strategic initiatives: COVE SSHARP, A program Erasmus+ to promote excellence and the green transition in port vocational training, and VALENCIAPORT HORIZONThe latter, financed by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) aims to strengthen the European projects office to increase the success rate and leadership of Spanish proposals.

Likewise, the Innovation Committee of Valenciaport has selected two new collaborative innovation initiatives to be launched in 2026: the implementation of a technology monitoring system and the development of a methodology for the CO2 footprint calculation of the entire logistics chain.

Key Indicators of Innovation Activity (1H 2026)

Indicator	Figure
Active innovation projects	41
Co-financing from the European Union	95 %
5G pilot projects recognized by the CE	5
Active users on Pharos 39.0	+ 2.500

Boosting open innovation and the startup ecosystem with Opentop

In the field of open innovation, Antonio Torregrosa He highlighted the launch of the 6th edition of Valenciaport Hackathon, organized through its initiative Opentop and which will be held on June 30 and July 1. In addition, new pilot projects have been tested in collaboration with startups, such as the validation of the solution for HALOTECH for the analysis of operational and safety data, and an autonomous control system for unmanned hydrofoil vessels Caponnetto HueberIt was also announced that the 4th edition of the event will take place on October 21st. International Congress on Port Entrepreneurship (PEIC) in the framework of VDS.

Specialized training and consolidation of the knowledge hub

In terms of training, the launch of Sustainable Maritime Mobility Hub, a public-private collaboration led by Baleària and the Ministerio de Educación, Formación Profesional y Deportes to adapt Vocational Training to the needs of the sector. This project seeks to address the shortage of qualified professionals. In addition, the 5th edition of the program has begun. Stevedoring Professional Certificate.

Finally, the semester's balance confirms the success of Pharos 39.0, the knowledge hub of Valenciaportwhich already has over 2.500 active users in strategic markets such as España, Estados Unidos, Países Bajos, Irlanda y SingapurAs a complement, the new lecture series “Encounters in the Puerto de Valencia"inaugurated by the physicist Alberto ApariciIt seeks to position the venue as a forum for reflection open to professionals and the public.

Key points and frequently asked questions about innovation at the Port of Valencia

How does 5G technology impact port operations and foreign trade?

5G technology enables ultra-fast, low-latency communication, essential for terminal automation, autonomous vehicle fleet management, and real-time cargo tracking. For an exporting company, this translates into greater efficiency, complete cargo traceability, and reduced waiting times and operating costs throughout the supply chain.

What collaboration opportunities exist for Spanish companies in these innovation projects?

Spanish companies and startups can collaborate through the open innovation initiative Opentop, participating in events such as Valenciaport Hackathon or proposing technological pilot projects. Furthermore, the project HORIZONTE VALENCIAPORT It is specifically designed to boost the participation of national companies in European funding programs, facilitating their access to high-level consortia.

What is the impact of decarbonization on the competitiveness of the Port of Valencia?

The commitment to decarbonization, with projects such as HYPOBATT y AENEASIt not only meets European regulatory requirements, but also positions the Puerto de Valencia as a strategic partner for shipping lines and shippers committed to sustainability (ESG). This attracts high value-added traffic and ensures long-term competitiveness in a global market that increasingly penalizes carbon footprint.