Singapore eyes start-ups from new markets to grow maritime ecosystem

Key Concepts:

• Maritime tech startups
• Maritime ecosystem
• MPA (Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore)
• Spirit 71 Smart Port Challenge
• Decarbonization of the maritime industry
• Energy efficiency and fuel-related solutions
• Emission reduction measures
• AI-powered autonomous boats
• Predictive maintenance
• Sensors for monitoring machinery
• Digitalization in the maritime sector

Singapore's Push for Maritime Tech Innovation

Singapore is actively seeking to attract maritime tech startups, particularly from China, India, and Germany, to bolster its maritime ecosystem. This initiative is highlighted by the launch of the annual Spirit 71 Smart Port Challenge.

Spirit 71 Smart Port Challenge

• The challenge attracted over 200 startups and maritime industry players.
• The MPA (Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore) offers mentorship and funding opportunities for selected proposals.
• Since 2018, the challenge has supported nearly 150 startups.
• These startups have collectively raised over $113 million in capital.

Decarbonization Efforts

A key focus of some projects emerging from the Smart Port Challenge is to contribute to the decarbonization of Singapore's maritime industry. This involves:

• Transforming the maritime sector into a hub for research, innovation, and testing.
• Developing and implementing energy-efficient and fuel-related solutions.
• Introducing new emission reduction measures across port operations, shipping, and the broader maritime technology and digitalization space.

Examples of Innovative Solutions

• Clear Robotics: This company is deploying fully electric, AI-powered autonomous boats to collect up to 200 kilograms of trash per trip in Singapore's waterways. This automates "dirty and dangerous" tasks. They are headquartered in Singapore.
• Ground Up AI: This firm focuses on predictive maintenance by using sensors attached to machinery to monitor sounds, vibrations, and temperature. Unusual patterns trigger alerts, enabling prompt problem-solving. These sensors are now used on boats and jeans in Singapore.

Predictive Maintenance Application

Ground Up AI's technology addresses the need to minimize machinery downtime. Their sensors monitor:

• Sounds
• Vibrations
• Temperature

The company discovered that machinery speech in both ports and vessels is similar to what they were familiar with. This allows them to apply their technology effectively in the maritime sector.

Global Market and Expansion

Ground Up AI sees a growing global market for its predictive maintenance solutions and has expanded into sectors like manufacturing and defense.

Conclusion

Singapore is strategically investing in maritime tech startups through initiatives like the Spirit 71 Smart Port Challenge to drive innovation, decarbonize the maritime industry, and attract international talent. The success of startups like Clear Robotics and Ground Up AI demonstrates the potential for technology to address challenges in areas such as waste management and predictive maintenance, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable maritime ecosystem.