Singapore’s 10th Smart Port Challenge expands support to scale maritime start-ups

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial heart of the National University of Singapore, have launched the 10th edition of the PIER71 Smart Port Challenge (SPC) at Singapore Maritime Week 2026, with expanded support to help maritime start-ups scale, secure funding, and deploy their solutions.

Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, Mr Murali Pillai, MPA Chief Executive, Mr Ang Wee Keong, and NUS Enterprise Vice President (Ecosystem Building), Professor Benjamin Tee officiated at the launch. The event drew over 200 international start-ups, investors and industry partners, reflecting continued global interest in Singapore as a platform for maritime innovation. Please refer to Annex A for the launch programme.

Since 2018, PIER71 has supported some 170 start-ups, which have collectively raised over S$150 million in funding. One example is SPC alumnus Groundup.ai which uses artificial intelligence to predict equipment failures and optimise asset performance. The company has since scaled across Asia and the Middle East, securing S$5.4 million in Series A funding following an initial S$2.3 million seed round.

Building on nearly a decade of developing early-stage start-ups, this year’s SPC introduces two new initiatives – Mentors-in-Residence Plus (MIR+) and Venture2Capital – to strengthen commercialisation and growth.

MIR+ pairs start-ups looking to scale with experienced maritime professionals and overseas accelerator partners to support market entry and expansion. Venture2Capital strengthens access to funding by connecting start-ups with investors and providing structured training and support for fundraising. These initiatives will extend PIER71’s role beyond early-stage acceleration to supporting start-ups in scaling and entering new markets. 

In addition, MPA has recently introduced an innovation track under the Maritime Cluster Fund – Business Development scheme. This aims to anchor maritime companies’ innovation, technology, and venture-building capabilities in Singapore, encouraging them to scale from Singapore while contributing to a vibrant and globally connected maritime ecosystem.

SPC will expand its global outreach in 2026 through targeted engagement in key markets. These include China, France, India, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, the UK, and the USA. These engagements will connect start-ups with investors and maritime partners, while showcasing opportunities in Singapore’s maritime ecosystem. 

Applications for SPC 2026 are now open. The programme will introduce 20 innovation opportunities across four areas — Next-Generation Port, Smart Shipping, Maritime Green Technologies, and Digitalisation, supported by 19 innovation partners, with more expected to join.

Shortlisted start-ups will undergo a 10-week SPC Accelerate programme, which provides tailored mentorship, workshops and opportunities for market validation. Cash prizes will be awarded to top-performing start-ups at the SPC 2026 Grand Finale on 11 November 2026, with thematic prizes sponsored by companies including ABS, OCBC, PSA Singapore & PSA Ventures, and RINA.

Following the programme, start-ups may apply for MPA’s Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund to support proof-of-concept, pilot projects and product development. The fund has supported 68 start-ups, with over 30 innovative technologies deployed in the maritime sector.

Applications for SPC 2026 are open at https://pier71.sg until 15 June 2026.