Valencia hosts global port innovation summit

The Port Authority of Valencia has hosted the annual strategic meeting of the Port Innovators Network (PIN), bringing together representatives from nine international port innovation hubs to review progress and establish priorities for 2027.

The meeting marked the largest gathering in PIN’s history, with nine of its eleven innovation hubs represented. Founding members homePORT (Port of Hamburg), The PIER (Port of Halifax) and Opentop (Valenciaport) attended, alongside representatives from the ports of San Diego, Esbjerg, Bahía Blanca and Tyne, and thinkport VIENNA. NIMO (Northern Ireland Maritime & Offshore) also participated for the first time following its recent addition to the network.

Discussions reviewed activities undertaken throughout 2026, with members welcoming the network’s expansion and stronger collaboration through joint initiatives.

Looking ahead, participants explored new activities for 2027 aimed at accelerating open innovation, creating opportunities for startups, ports, operators and industry companies, and strengthening PIN’s international profile.

Juan Manuel Díez, head of innovation at the Port Authority of Valencia, said: “It is an honour and a pleasure for us to host this meeting once again. Valencia has established itself as a natural meeting point for international port innovation.”

He added that the gathering demonstrated the region’s commitment to global collaboration, while giving members opportunities to participate in the Port Entrepreneurship International Congress and visit the Valenciaport sandbox.

Salvador Furió, director of innovation and cluster development at Fundación Valenciaport, highlighted the network’s growing influence. “It is very rewarding to see how the international PIN network has grown and how collaboration between the different innovation hubs keeps getting stronger, with Opentop playing a leading role,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of helping startups expand into new markets through connections between participating ports.

Founded by homePORT, Opentop and The PIER, PIN aims to boost innovation across the global port system by connecting startups, businesses, researchers, universities and investors to share knowledge, experience and opportunities.