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Smart Port Challenge 2025

Smart Port Challenge 2025

Smart Port Challenge 2025

Smart Port Challenge (SPC) is an annual innovation challenge organised by PIER71 to attract startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions to step forward and address key challenges faced by the maritime industry.

Thematic Areas

Maritime Green Technologies

Next Generation Ports

Smart Shipping

Digitalisation (AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity)
The Journey to PIER71 Smart Port Challenge has Begun!

Since the beginning to 2025, we have engaged tirelessly with the maritime industry to identify their needs and challenges, which are them translated into innovation opportunities. We then select the finalists for the PIER71 Smart Port Challenge (SPC) 2025 – these are startups who can address the industry challenges identified, and are thus invited to complete our 10-week SPC Accelerate programme,

Over the course of 10-weeks, the startups will delve into a world of opportunities to refine their products and solutions, broaden their horizons and establish significant relationships within the maritime industry.

SPC Accelerate is not just a programme; it’s an ecosystem designed to nurture their development. They will gain access to a treasure trove of resources, including masterclasses, workshops, mentorship sessions, networking events and a lot more. Each of these meticulously curated sessions is designed to equip them with insights, skills and perspectives that will be pivotal to their entrepreneurial journey, providing opportunities for market validation and potential collaborations with industry leaders.

Programme

  • 30 May 2025

    11 Jul 2025

    SPC Launch and Applications Open

    The highly anticipated Smart Port Challenge is back! Calling on startups with innovative solutions to tackle real-world maritime challenges. Join us at the Launch event in Singapore, or any one of our global Roadshows to hear from industry partners, explore the Innovation Opportunities, and take the first step toward transforming the future of maritime. Submit your applications by 11 Jul 2025, 5:00 PM SGT!

  • 14 Jul 2025

    29 Aug 2025

    Shortlisting and Cohort Prep

    After Application close, proposals will be shortlisted by a panel of maritime and technology experts. Shortlisted teams can expect to hear back by 1 Aug 2025 on the next steps and preparation required leading up to SPC Accelerate.

  • 1 Sep 2025

    31 Oct 2025

    SPC Accelerate Programme

    Startups are enrolled in a 10-week market validation and customer discovery programme in Singapore called SPC Accelerate. SPC Accelerate consists of Mentoring sessions, Workshops and Networking opportunities aimed at helping startups expand to Singapore.

    Attendance in-person is mandatory for the Kickoff Week (1 - 5 Sep). Attendance in-person throughout the programme is highly encouraged, as all events are specially curated and crucial for networking and collaboration, and your presence will greatly enhance the experience. Hybrid sessions are possible for certain sessions.

  • 3 Nov 2025

    7 Nov 2025

    Grand Finals Week

    As the SPC Accelerate Programme draws to a close, this week marks a significant milestone in your startup journey. Attendance in-person is mandatory this week for Semi-Finals and Great Circle, for a chance to pitch in front of judges, maritime partners and investors to secure the top prizes. The week ends with a final Review & Reflections and Celebratory Lunch, a final session for the cohort to share learnings and celebrate how far they have come since.

Innovation Partners

We work with maritime corporates to craft innovation opportunities based on real-world issues, inviting technology startups to find the best ideas and solutions to address them.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to our Innovation Partners for the Smart Port Challenge 2025.

Smart Port Challenge 2025 Innovation Opportunities