La Port Innovators Network (PIN), a global network of hubs of port innovation, has taken a significant step towards the digital and operational transformation of the maritime sector by opening a call for proposals aimed at innovators and startups worldwideThe goal is to address 18 specific challenges that the ports that make up the network are currently facing, in a format that prioritizes the speed of adoption and scalability of the solutions.
This methodology of open innovation It aims to shorten the time between identifying a port need and implementing a technology, allowing the startups access to the real demands of the industry and the possibility of running pilot tests in multiple international markets at the same time.
The 18 challenges are distributed across eight areas considered fundamental for the future of port logistics: Cybersecurity, Port Operations, Naval Operations, Asset Management, Terminal Operations, Resilience and Sustainability, Communication and Connectivity, and Training and Simulation.
The process for innovators is direct and centralized on the PIN website, where they can view the challenges and submit their proposals. Once received, the member ports of the network They will contact you directly. with the candidates to assess the possibility of conducting pilot tests, which opens the door to options for global scalability inside and outside the nine hubs that currently make up PIN.
The challenges were officially presented in Valencia, during the International Congress on Port Entrepreneurship (PEIC) 2025, an event organized by Opentop, a founding member of PIN, within the framework of VDS held at the City of Arts and Sciences.
The importance of this initiative was highlighted by PIN, which stated that this call for proposals: "It embodies the purpose of the Port Innovators Network (PIN). By collectively identifying the common challenges facing ports globally, we are demonstrating the power of open innovation to address key needs in the maritime industry." Furthermore, they emphasized the unique opportunity for entrepreneurs: “For startups "And innovative, this represents a unique opportunity to present solutions with the potential for immediate implementation and scalability across nine ports in our network, and with the possibility of global adoption beyond our members."
For its part, Salvador FurioThe Director of Innovation and Development of the Valenciaport Foundation Cluster reaffirmed the commitment to collaboration: "The PIN challenges are an example of how open innovation and collaboration between ports can accelerate the adoption of technological solutions that respond to real needs in the sector." Furió concluded by extending an invitation to the innovative community: "We invite innovators from around the world to join this initiative, which marks a milestone in how ports address their future challenges." And he recalled that this format "Pioneer was presented in Valencia at the PEIC", highlighting the Valenciaport Foundation's commitment to the International collaboration as a driver of transformation in the logistics and port sector.
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