Inmarsat, a specialist in satellite communications, has partnered with two start-up programmes to support businesses in the maritime sector focusing on Internet of Things (IoT) and big data.
The joint-venture programme, with Rainmaking Trade and Transport Impact (T&TI) and Bluetech Accelerator, will fund and mentor start-ups organizations which are developing applications to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability.
In collaboration with the two partner start-ups, Inmarsat are aiming to find a route to market via its global, high-speed satellite communications infrastructure, which connects ports and rail networks around the world.
Al Tama discusses how robotics can be leveraged by ports and terminals in a recent Port Technology technical paper
According to a statement, the T&TI programme initiated by Rainmaking will help to connect established businesses in the sector, such as Inmarsat, Cargotec and Wärtsilä, with “innovative start-ups”, addressing the challenges currently faced by the global supply chain.
The Bluetech Accelerator, sponsored by the Portuguese Government, will work with six business partners including Inmarsat to select and finance the first batch of winning start-ups, who will be chosen before the end of 2019.
Inmarsat #IoT study shows #maritime startups are ramping up exponentially which will be supported by #FleetData. Stefano Poli, VP Business Development, @InmarsatGlobal in the keynote speech at #ShipInsightConf19#innovation pic.twitter.com/DVIb9m5uA7
— JLA Media (@JLAMedia) February 14, 2019
Ali Grey, Senior Director of Digital Incubation at Inmarsat, spoke about the benefits of merging digital technologies such as machine-learning and IoT, which will become increasingly important due to their ability to improve operational efficiency.
Grey said: “Companies operating across the global supply chain clearly acknowledge the potential of digitalisation, and recognise that we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible.
“Unlocking the full benefits will require fresh perspectives on both longstanding and looming challenges. Start-ups are good at spotting opportunities that more established players miss, so it is important for the industry’s future that we offer a helping hand to nurture innovation.
“For Inmarsat, supporting companies in the global supply chain is not simply about deploying the most advanced communications infrastructure. It is also about supporting the creation of applications that directly address an organisation’s challenges and help transform these into significant opportunities.
Julian Galvis, Identec Solutions, discusses why ports should invest in IoT in a recent Port Technology technical paper
Inmarsat has underlined its experience in developing application-based solutions for the maritime and logistics sectors, such as its bandwidth-inclusive IoT platform Fleet Data and industrial IoT solutions.
Grey added: “Inmarsat is the only satellite provider able to offer transport businesses managed connectivity services across the entire global multi-modal journey.
“Working with leaders such as Rainmaking and Bluetech and the innovative start-ups that will be part of the programmes, we can help create new applications driven by data that will benefit the entire global supply chain.”