Singapore: MPA and NUS launch 9th edition of PIER71 Smart Port Challenge 2025

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of National University of Singapore (NUS), jointly launched the 9th edition of the PIER71™ Smart Port Challenge (SPC) 2025 on Tuesday (10 June). 

This global competition invites startups to develop innovative solutions addressing challenges in the maritime industry.

SPC2025 was officially launched by Mr Teo Eng Dih, MPA Chief Executive, Dr Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice President (Innovation & Enterprise), and supporting partner Plug and Play, represented by Mr Jupe Tan, Managing Partner APAC, at Echelon 2025 – Asia’s premier tech and startup conference. 

The PIER71™ event drew over 200 international startups, venture capitalists, and maritime partners. The opening ceremony also featured a panel discussion “Scaling Smart: Maritime Startups, Strategic Capital, and Global Growth”, which provided valuable insights for startups navigating today’s complex investment landscape. 

To broaden its global outreach, PIER71™ will conduct 15 roadshows across 13 cities in June, in partnership with its global innovation network. Locations include the United States, Europe, South Korea, China, and India. This will be the first time roadshows are held in Los Angeles and Boston (US), Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, as well as in China and India.

SPC 2025 features 15 challenge statements spanning four focus areas: Maritime Green Technologies, Smart Shipping, Next-Generation Ports, and Digitalisation, supported by over 20 innovation partners. Shortlisted startups will participate in a 10-week SPC Accelerate programme, which now offers a more targeted mentorship structure.

Participating startups will receive tailored guidance, hands-on workshops, and opportunities for market validation based on their specific stage of development.

Upon completion of the programme, participants may apply for support from MPA’s Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund for proof-of-concept, pilot projects, and product development.

The top startups will be awarded cash prizes at the SPC2025 Great Circle finals in November 2025. Startups can submit their proposals at https://pier71.sg by 11 July 2025.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 12 June, 2025