Port Innovators Network launches global call for solutions to port challenges

The Port Innovators Network has issued 18 real-world challenges to the global port community, launching what it calls the first initiative of its kind aimed at accelerating innovation across the sector.

A new web portal now links innovators directly with participating ports. The goal is to speed development, testing and adoption of technologies and practices across the PIN network and ports worldwide.

The challenges span nine categories, including cybersecurity, port and ship operations, asset and terminal management, resilience and sustainability, communications and training.

The announcement was made at the 2025 Port Entrepreneurship International Congress in Valencia during the Valencia Digital Summit, hosted by PIN founding partner Opentop.

“This initiative embodies the purpose of the Port Innovators Network. By collectively identifying common challenges faced by ports globally, we’re demonstrating the power of open innovation to address the maritime industry’s most pressing needs,” PIN said in a statement. “For startups and innovators, this represents a unique opportunity to present solutions with potential for immediate implementation and scalability across nine ports in our network, with the possibility of global adoption beyond our membership.”

Michael Davie, vice-president of operations, sustainability and technology with the Halifax Port Authority, said: “Maintaining our competitive edge as an efficient and reliable port for tomorrow and meeting the needs of our customers today, includes incorporating innovation to solve real-world challenges in collaboration with our partners – The PIER helps us do that.”

“This is a global announcement without precedent in our industry,” added David Thomas, executive director of The PIER. “Nine port innovation hubs across nine countries and three continents collectively identifying the most impactful port challenges to solve. By putting out the call, we are excited by the potential of this new service for our membership, connecting the port to new solutions and our innovators to global challenges.”