Smart Port Challenge (SPC) is an annual innovation challenge that calls for ideas and solutions from the global start-up community to address innovation opportunities from maritime corporates in Singapore. Shortlisted start-ups undergo a market validation and customer discovery programme called SPC Accelerate and the top teams go through to a Grand Finale for a chance to win cash prizes.

To be eligible for the Smart Port Challenge, start-ups must have at least a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

Our programme provides 2 tracks for companies with innovative technologies: Start-ups and Scale-ups.

You qualify as a Scale-up if you meet all 4 of the following criteria:

• Headcount (Full Time): >20
• Revenue (As of 2024): >USD 500K
• Years in operations: >5 years
• Stage: Series A and Beyond

If 0 out of 4 criteria is met, you qualify as a Start-up.
If you meet between 1-3 of the 4 criteria, you will be eligible for either tracks.

Note: The final programme track assigned will be determined by the evaluation committee based on a holistic review of each application.

While the focus is on addressing maritime challenges, we actively welcome technologies from non-maritime sectors that have the potential to be adapted or applied to maritime use cases. Cross-industry innovation is encouraged, and we are open to exploring how such technologies can bring value to the maritime ecosystem. 

We welcome proposals that may not directly match the listed Innovation Opportunities through our Open Category. If your solution doesn’t fall under a specific opportunity, you can still submit it under this category. However, we encourage applicants to select one of the four broad focus areas- 1) Maritime Green Technologies, 2) Next-Generation Ports, 3) Smart Shipping, or 4) Digitalisation (including Cybersecuity and AI) to help us better understand the relevance and potential application of your technology.  

SPC Accelerate is a 10-week programme focused on helping start-ups/scale-ups validate their solutions and refine their business models. Participants will: 

• Engage directly with corporate partners to validate ideas and explore potential use cases 
• Present progress and receive feedback during review panels with mentors
• Receive one-on-one mentorship from industry experts 
• Attend workshops covering various topics, including but not limited to Legal, Financing etc
• Explore opportunities for collaborations within and across present/past SPC cohorts

The programme is designed to support start-ups/scale-ups in building market-ready solutions for the maritime industry. 

All selected teams must participate in SPC Accelerate Programme and fulfill its requirements before they can present at the Great Circle. Nevertheless, we will also be curating different opportunities to showcase maritime start-ups at the event.

By the end of the Challenge, you should have a viable product/solution, business model and addressable market applicable to the maritime industry. The mentorship, workshops and connections you receive through SPC Accelerate should also help you secure a pilot project with at least one (1) maritime corporate which may be funded by a grant amount through MPA. 

Upon successful graduation from the SPC Accelerate Programme, start-ups/scale-ups can apply for MPA’s MINT grant, which offers up to SGD $100,000 to pilot your existing solution with a test-bedding partner, and up to SGD $250,000 for new product development.

Most of the events for PIER71 will be held in Singapore and are designed to be attended in person. For selected events, in-person attendance is compulsory. For others, we will provide opportunities to dial in remotely. However, we strongly urge teams to be present and meet in person whenever possible. Attending in person facilitates stronger networking opportunities, fosters deeper collaboration, enhances the experience of workshops and allows for more spontaneous and productive interactions with industry leaders and peers. Being physically present also helps teams. to fully immerse themselves in the event environment, gaining more from the resources and support available. 

You are not expected to give up or share your IP with any parties during your participation in Smart Port Challenge. Any technology/product development that may result in the creation of foreground IP will be undertaken by yourself and the other parties.

Information submitted to PIER71 as part of your application and/or participation in the Programme may be disclosed to PIER71’s partners for purposes relating to the Programme. Applicants are advised not to include any confidential or commercially sensitive information in their submissions.

While there are no fees to participate in the SPC Accelerate Programme, we expect teams to commit fully to duration of the programme Unfortunately, we also do not provide sponsorships for teams to join the programme. Teams who are based overseas are expected to cover their own cost of travel, visa application and expenses in Singapore.

You may reach out to enquiries@pier71.sg for any further queries.