Ashdod Port Company has published an international tender for the operator. Around 10 startups are expected to be selected to develop innovative technologies and products in the sea, shipping, logistics and energy fields for the incubator.
Orna Hozman Bechor, chairman of the board of Ashdod Port, noted: “The incubator’s establishment will create a significant network of relationships with additional accelerators around the world, so that we can import and export startups that will help Ashdod Port continue to be a leader in maritime technology.”
The startups will receive a financial grant, support from port staff and an experimental area to test products. At the end of the process they will have an opportunity to integrate the end product into the port’s systems. One of the objectives of the incubator is to create a global network for companies, in order to create business and strategic partnerships with accelerators around the world.
In the last year and a half the port has offered three technology tenders, with over 30 startups selected and now integrated and operational at the port, creating a new avenue for significant investment and revenue.
These startups include an established artificial intelligence company that forecasts future workloads, an established Learning Machine company that monitors and forecasts changes on the sea floor in order to load the optimal amount of cargo, and a company that specializes in cybersecurity, prevention, identification and warnings against cyberattacks.
Ashdod’s technology investments are part of its preparation for increasing competition, when two new private ports are expected to be opened in Israel.