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PIER71™️ Smart Port Challenge 2024

Smart Port Challenge is an annual innovation challenge organised by PIER71TM to attract start-ups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions to step forward and address key challenges faced by the maritime industry.

Key Focus Areas

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

The Journey to PIER71™ Smart Port Challenge Finals has Begun!

We have a great selection of start-ups who have been selected to participate in this year’s Accelerate programme, as finalists of PIER71™ Smart Port Challenge 2024.

Over the course of three months, the start-ups will delve into a world of opportunities to refine their products and solutions, broaden their horizons and establish significant relationships within the maritime industry.

PIER71™ Accelerate is not just a programme; it’s an ecosystem designed to nurture their development. They will gain access to a treasure trove of resources, including masterclasses, workshops, mentorship sessions, networking events and a lot more. Each of these meticulously curated sessions is designed to equip them with insights, skills and perspectives that will be pivotal to their entrepreneurial journey, providing opportunities for market validation and potential collaborations with industry leaders.

Apply by Monday 8 July 2024, 5PM SGT.
Innovation Opportunities
Innovation Opportunities
Innovation Opportunities
Innovation Opportunities

Explore SPC2024 Innovation Opportunities
SPC2024 Cohort
SPC2024 Cohort
SPC2024 Cohort
SPC2024 Cohort

To be announced

Smart Port Challenge

2024 Timeline

30 May 2024
Launch Day
Launch Day

Revealing the list of innovation opportunities and key dates

30 May - 08 Jul 2024
Calls for submission
Calls for submission

Start-ups submit their proposal to address an Innovation Opportunity

09 Jul - 05 Aug 2024
Shortlisting of finalists
Shortlisting of finalists

Shortlisting by a panel of maritime, technology and entrepreneurial

02 Sep - 17 Nov 2024
Accelerate
Accelerate

Shortlisted start-ups are enrolled in a two phase, 12-week market validation and customer discovery programme.
*Only selected start-ups will advance to phase 2.
Read more

18 Nov 2024
Semi-Finals
Semi-Finals

Closed door pitching in front of judges for final shortlisting of grand finalists

21 Nov 2024
Grand Final
Grand Final

Grand finalists will pitch in front of judges, partners, investors and maritime veterans to secure the top prizes.
*There will be an in-person rehearsal, post-programme review and celebration

Why Participate?

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: