Start-ups

We work with Start-ups from all over the world. In addition to providing access to markets, funding, technology and talent, we are backed by a world-class entrepreneurship education and have a pool of resources to support your ambition in reimagining innovation for the maritime industry.

Smart Port Challenge

Smart Port Challenge

An annual innovation competition to address real challenges, or innovation opportunities, put forth by maritime corporates in Singapore. Generally begins with calls for participation in June, and concludes with a Grand Final in November. Selected finalists undergo PIER71TM Accelerate and stand a chance to win cash prizes as well as a grant to fast track your product development. This is a great opportunity to gain access to the maritime market, validate your product/solutions, and get them test-bedded and adopted. Find out if you have what it takes to be part of PIER71TM’s Smart Port Challenge.

Challenge Accepted
PIER71™ Accelerate

PIER71™ Accelerate

The first-of-its-kind in Singapore, PIER71TM Accelerate is a market validation and customer discovery programme backed by world-class entrepreneurship education from NUS Enterprise and specifically curated for the maritime industry. As a Smart Port Challenge finalist, you will be enrolled into this exclusive six-week programme in Singapore where you will be paired with a mentor and have access to workshops and masterclasses conducted by industry veterans and domain experts. Receive personal coaching to perfect your pitch in preparation for the final judging process. Get connected to maritime corporates, investors, venture capitalists, serial entrepreneurs, as well as other PIER71TM partners.

PIER71™ Ascend

PIER71™ Ascend

PIER71™ Ascend is a 12-month, by-invite only scale-up programme, with curated masterclasses, industry networking sessions, and an immersion programme aimed at connecting start-ups to overseas markets and government stakeholders, as well as prospective maritime customers. Promising scale-ups can also apply for grant support of up to S$100,000 to scale their solutions, under MPA’s MINT-STARTUP scheme.

Landing Pad Programme

Landing Pad Programme

All start-ups in PIER71™ Accelerate and PIER71™ Ascend are automatically eligible for a sponsored residency at our Landing Pad. We also welcome other tech start-ups with an ambition to reimagine the maritime industry to apply for our Landing Pad Programme, use our meeting space or join in our community events.

Explore Landing Pad
Ongoing Support

Ongoing Support

PIER71TM has built up a network of resources that include maritime corporates, global accelerators, investors, venture capitalists, mentors, maritime veterans, serial entrepreneurs, research institutes, institutes of higher learning, government agencies, technology, talent and lots more. Gain access to expert advice and connections by being part of our ecosystem.

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PIER71™ EXPLORE

PIER71TM Explore is a regular learning series that is open to our wider community. Sessions are casual and interactive, with topics focused on maritime and entrepreneurship. Visit our News & Events page regularly to find out what’s happening or join our mailing list and be the first to know.

    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: