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Your journey into maritime begins with Smart Port Challenge

Are you a tech start-up that is ready to bring digital transformation to the maritime industry? Do you have ideas or solutions that can address challenges in the areas of maritime green technologies, smart shipping, next generation ports or digitalisation? Then read on.

Smart Port Challenge is an annual innovation competition to find the best ideas and solutions from technology start-ups to address challenges, or innovation opportunities, put forth by maritime corporates in Singapore. Started in 2017 by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Smart Port Challenge became the flagship programme under PIER71TM when it was founded in 2018.

What Are We Looking For?

Innovative ideas that will bring digital transformation to the maritime industry

Key Industry Sectors

Port Operations Port
Shipping Shipping
Maritime Services and Supply Chain Maritime Services and Logistics

Key Focus Area

Maritime Green Technologies
Maritime Green Technologies
Next Generation Ports
Next Generation Ports
Smart Shipping
Smart Shipping
Digitalisation (AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity)
Digitalisation (AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity)
View Opportunities

When Does This Take Place?

Generally begins with calls for participation in June, and concludes with a Grand Final in November.

Current Challenge

How Does It Work?

Start-ups submit their proposal based on the innovation opportunities available. These go through a shortlisting process with a panel of maritime, technology and entrepreneurial experts. Shortlisted finalists are enrolled into PIER71TM Accelerate, an exclusive six-week market validation and customer discovery programme backed by world-class entrepreneurship education from NUS Enterprise and specifically curated for the maritime industry. This culminates in a Grand Final where top teams get the opportunity to pitch in front of judges, partners, investors and other maritime veterans to secure the top prizes of the challenge.

What Do I Get Out of This?

Mentoring and coaching Mentoring and coaching
Mentoring and coaching
Access to maritime corporates, investors, venture capitalists, serial entrepreneurs, as well as other PIER71<sup>TM</sup> partners Access to maritime corporates, investors, venture capitalists, serial entrepreneurs, as well as other PIER71<sup>TM</sup> partners
Access to maritime corporates, investors, venture capitalists, serial entrepreneurs, as well as other PIER71 partners
Opportunity to address real challenges and identify customers Opportunity to address real challenges and identify customers
Opportunity to address real challenges and identify customers
Access to workshops and masterclasses conducted by industry veterans and domain experts Access to workshops and masterclasses conducted by industry veterans and domain experts
Access to workshops and masterclasses conducted by industry veterans and domain experts
Product and business model validation Product and business model validation
Product and business model validation
Eligibility to apply for grants (up to S$100,000) towards prototype development Eligibility to apply for grants (up to S$100,000) towards prototype development
Eligibility to apply for grants of up to S$100,000 for proof-of-concept or pilot projects, and up to S$250,000 for new product development
Cash prizes for top three winners Cash prizes for top three winners
Cash prizes for top three winners
Sponsored residency at PIER71’s Landing Pad Sponsored residency at PIER71’s Landing Pad
Sponsored residency at PIER71’s Landing Pad
Branding and media exposure Branding and media exposure
Branding and media exposure
Founding Partners
MPA Singapore NUS Enterprise
Part of
Maritime Singapore

Shortlisted finalists are enrolled in a two-phase, 12-week programme.


Phase 1: Fit Check - Market Discovery and Validation

Kickstart your journey by diving deep into the heart of your market! In this phase, we'll help you answer the pivotal question: Is there a product-market fit for your solution? Validate your tech, test your assumptions, and find the perfect match for your innovation. A review will be conducted at the end of Phase 1. Only selected participants will advance to Phase 2.


Phase 2: Gap Busters - Navigating New Markets

Now, it's time to bridge the commercial gap. In this phase, you’ll partner with industry veterans who bring sharp business insights to the table. Together, you’ll navigate and conquer markets that may be uncharted territory for your startup.


Although the programme is designed for remote and overseas participants, in-person participation is required for the following events conducted in Singapore: