Smart port solutions get cash injection boost

The 12 start-ups from Port Innovation Ecosystem Reimagined @ BLOCK71 (PIER71)’s Smart Port Challenge (SPC) 2019, have each been awarded S$50,000 each from The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the National University of Singapore (NUS).

“Although the global Covid-19 situation has caused widespread disruption, we push ahead with innovation in the maritime sector,” said Quah Ley Hoon, chief executive of MPA.

“Singapore continues to support the use of emerging technologies to transform the maritime industry, uplift the way companies do their business and strengthen our resilience as a maritime nation.”

Smart solutions

Over the next 12 months, the start-ups will be working on pilot projects in collaboration with PIER71’s maritime corporate partners, who will provide subject matter expertise, test data, as well as a platform to test-bed their solutions.

Upon the successful completion of the projects, the maritime corporates will be adopt the final products/solutions.

The new start-ups are focusing on technologies including artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality (V/AR), blockchain, robotics and wearables.

Companies include ABEJA, Kanda, Cerekon and Megapixel.

Eight out of 13 of the previous grant recipients from the previous Smart Port Challenge in 2018 have completed their pilot projects, with the remaining five nearing completion.

One project from Ship Supplies Direct, a start-up focusing on improving marine logistics and supply chain, has reported up to 30% reduction in delivery costs and up to three hours less waiting time per delivery through its pilot project with PSA International.