Singapore’s Smart Port Challenge 2026 attracts record 586 proposals from 39 countries

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and NUSX, the entrepreneurial heart of the National University of Singapore (NUS), on Wednesday (11 November) announced the winners of the 10th PIER71 Smart Port Challenge (SPC) at its Grand Finale.

From AI and robotics innovation for ships, to port automation and maritime cybersecurity solutions, this year’s Challenge attracted a record 586 proposals from 281 start-ups across 39 countries, reflecting growing international interest in developing technology solutions for the maritime industry.

Ocean Intelligence from Australia won the Top Start-up Prize for its AI-powered voyage optimisation platform that incorporates ocean currents, weather conditions and vessel characteristics to identify more fuel-efficient routes. Vueron Technology from South Korea received the Top Scale-up Prize for its AI-powered LiDAR perception solutions for autonomous mobility and industrial safety. The prizes, at SGD 15,000 each, were sponsored by Columbia Group and Temasek respectively. Trunk Technology (Beijing) from China was also acknowledged by the Judges with a Special Mention.

Four thematic prizes of SGD 10,000 each were also awarded: Underwater Solution from South Korea received the Digitalisation Prize, sponsored by RINA; Ocean Intelligence from Australia received the Maritime Green Technologies Prize, sponsored by OCBC; Trunk Technology (Beijing) from China received the Smart Port Prize, sponsored by PSA Singapore and PSA Ventures; and Vueron Technology from South Korea received the Smart Shipping Prize, sponsored by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). 

The finalists and semi-finalists also demonstrated the breadth of technologies being developed for maritime operations. Robotic systems that automate cargo hold cleaning and confined-space inspections reduce the need for personnel to enter hazardous environments. AI-powered cybersecurity platforms monitor onboard IT and  operational technology networks in real time, detecting threats as they emerge.

Biological sensor networks use molluscs as living sensors, giving ports early warning of oil leaks and toxic discharges. Together, these solutions point to exciting opportunities to make the maritime industry safer, greener and more secure. 

From this year’s submissions, 21 start-ups from 11 countries were selected for the 10-week SPC Accelerate programme , with eight progressing to the Grand Finale.

Participants worked on solutions addressing 20 innovation opportunities identified by maritime companies across digitalisation, maritime green technologies, next generation port and smart shipping. Letters of Intent were signed between participating start-ups and 28 maritime companies to explore proof-of-concept and pilot projects.

Note: Details of the winners and more are available in Annex A to D.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 12 November, 2026