Gulftainer launches global startup challenge to boost tech innovation in ports and logistics sector

Gulftainer, the world’s largest privately owned, independent port operator and parent company of GT USA Wilmington and GT USA Canaveral, announced today the launch of the Future of Ports Startup Challenge 2020 to identify startups from across the globe with the ambition to lead the transformation of the port management and logistics industries.

Gulftainer has partnered with the Global Silicon Valley labs (GSVlabs), a leading global innovation platform, to engage startups in five unique areas of opportunity where Gulftainer is pursuing new solutions: The Internet of Things and Robo-Doctors; Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Drones; Big Data and Advanced Analytics; Blockchain and Bring Your Own Idea.
This competition challenges entrepreneurs and startups from around the world to set their mark in the ports and logistics ecosystem, to grow, and to position their solutions in the industry. The call for applications is now open till August 15 and startups interested in participating can apply through the Future of Ports Startup Challenge website - gtinnovationchallenge.com.
“Gulftainer isn’t looking for incremental technology or ‘easy fixes’ - we are committed to developing long-term partnerships with emerging technology companies and working together to build the port of the future. Our aim is to seek entrepreneurs and unconventional thinkers, with a vision for the future, to chase groundbreaking innovation in technology areas that will transform the industry,” said Peter Richards, Group CEO of Gulftainer.
“The Future of Ports Startup Challenge is coming at a time when the supply chain and logistics industry is ripe for innovation. We’re excited about our partnership with Gulftainer and being involved in the port industry’s revolution,” says Nikhil Sinha, CEO of GSVlabs. “The application of AI, Robotics, Cloud and Blockchain technologies will be a driver of innovation in the industry and this Challenge is the perfect opportunity to source and uncover the most promising startups that are poised to lead in this space.”
Once the proposals are evaluated, the winning startups will be invited to present their projects to an audience made up of leaders from across the port and logistics industry, and innovation and investment sectors on November 5, 2020.
This is only the beginning of the offering that Gulftainer will present to the winners. In addition to the introduction to new investors and industry leaders, Gulftainer will also award a cash stipend to each of the winning startups in each category and provide the opportunity to explore the deployment or co-development of their technology.