theDOCK Innovation Hub, a platform for start-ups in the domain of smart seaport and maritime technology, has teamed up with Maersk.
The world’s largest carrier will use the partnership as an opportunity to meet start-ups.
Founded by veteran Israeli technology leaders, along with port and maritime experts, theDOCK aims to deliver practical innovation to port and maritime operations.
The logistics domain presents an ocean of opportunities for innovation following decades of conservative evolution.
Today, executives in newly established roles of digital and innovation officers, promote open innovation as means of encouraging out-of-the-box thinking and breakthrough innovation.
These activities typically include promoting specific maritime challenges through events such as meetups and hackathons as well as scouting for creative ideas.
theDOCK is the vision of its Co-Founders, Hannan Carmeli and Nir Gartzman, who want to leverage local high-tech assets and technology excellence in order to position Israel as a leader in the future smart port and smart maritime sectors.
Carmeli said: “Automotive manufacturers have come to recognize Israel’s supreme automotive innovation capabilities, and have engaged in R&D and technology scouting activities in Israel.
“The shipping industry, with Maersk being the frontrunner, will reap similar benefits.”
Israel, which presents itself as the ‘Startup Nation’ due to its attitude towards cultivating new companies, is connecting business, NGO and government leaders throughout the world with the country's people and technologies to help them solve their most pressing challenges.
Learn more about digital container shipping by reading a Port Technology technical paper by Navis which focuses on intelligent supply chains
Israel is an acknowledged contributor to disruptive innovation, based on technologies such as IoT, big data, AI, data analytics and optimization algorithms.
Recognizing this vast potential, Maersk is setting the tone by investing diligently in technology innovation as well as co-creating separate businesses together with start-ups and is the first global logistics giant to tap into the Israeli innovation ecosystem.
Ibrahim Gokcen, Chief Digital Officer for A.P. Moller – Maersk, commented: “We intend to be the leading integrator of container logistics, providing simple solutions to complex supply chain problems.
“Digital innovation and partnering with software companies of all sizes including startups to accelerate our product roadmaps play key roles in delivering that ambition.”
In addition to its digital and strategic transformation journey, Maersk is also creating new ventures together with the best start-ups.
Thomas Hougaard, Venture Partner with Maersk Growth — the business unit that develops and manages the portfolio of business development initiatives in Maersk, stated: “We are looking for opportunities to co-create the next unicorn in logistics within the areas of fighting food waste, enabling trade, securing supply chains and next-generation logistics.
“We are looking for start-ups that see value in Maersk as a partner rather than a customer, partnerships where we bring much more value than just capital. We are excited about working with theDock to help identify the right companies that want to join us on this journey.”
Carmeli added: “We are excited to partner with a global shipping leader such as Maersk. We are determined to harness local talent and Israel's creative technologies to benefit the overall maritime sector.
“We have no doubt of the win-win prospects for both Maersk as well as Israeli entrepreneurs.”