First Smart Port Challenge to push digital transformation of maritime industry

THE Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) teamed up with industry partners to launch on Monday the first Smart Port Challenge 2017 (SPC 2017).

Building upon the last two Smart Port Hackathons driven by MPA in 2014 and 2015, SPC 2017 aims at encouraging further collaboration between organisations and start-ups to push digital transformation in the maritime industry.

The six-month programme will take a new approach with the involvement of industry partners providing funding and test-bedding opportunities in partnership with the venture capital (VC) community.

SPC 2017 will have two categories of participants, comprising start-ups and non-start-ups.

PSA International's corporate VC arm, PSA unboXed, will provide seed funding support of up to S$50,000 for each selected start-up to develop full prototypes with the possibility of implementation for business operations.

Start-ups can also look forward to seed funding support from other VCs while shortlisted non start-ups will be eligible for MPA's Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) funding for test-bedding or product development.

SPC 2017's industry partners include Batam Fast, CMA CGM, Hong Lam Marine, Jurong Port, Kanlian, NYK Line, Pacific International Lines, Port of Rotterdam, PSA Marine, PSA unboXed, Symphony Creative Solutions and Synergy Marine Group.

The launch on Monday was officiated by Dr Lam Pin Min, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Health.