Ship management company Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) and entrepreneur network Techstars have announced a joint-venture project to launch a global start-up accelerator.
The “EPS MaritimeTech Accelerator Powered by Techstars”, based at EPS’ headquarters in Singapore, will be the first mentorship-driven start-up accelerator of its kind to target the maritime industry.
From April 2019, EPS and Techstars will begin accepting applications from start-up organizations around the world, before selecting a shortlist of ten companies to be participants in the accelerator’s inaugural class.
Mare Straetmans examines the industry-changing potential of start-ups in a recent Port Technology technical paper
In November 2019, the class will gather in EPS’ headquarters for an intensive three-month programme of research and development, mentorship, and collaboration, culminating in February 2020 when each company will pitch its newly polished business to an audience of venture capitalists, corporate innovation leaders and industry experts.
Gil Ofer, Business Development Manager of EPS, said: “The merchant maritime industry is one of the oldest in the world, yet advancements in the business come slowly, lagging behind the latest technological trends that other mature industries readily adopt.
“Eastern Pacific Shipping aims to address this long-standing issue by partnering with Techstars to launch the world’s first global MaritimeTech accelerator to cultivate and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs in an industry that is ripe for disruption.”
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Will Robinson, VP of Asia-Pacific Sales at Techstars, also commented: “Eastern Pacific Shipping is one of the top global players in the merchant maritime space with a clear innovation-driven agenda that’s poised to disrupt the industry.
“This partnership is a great match for Techstars, and we’re thrilled to partner with EPS in the world’s maritime and shipping capital and present the market with a catalyst for innovation in this industry.”
Entrepreneurs focused on disrupting the maritime industry with technologies related to regulations, fuel efficiency, vessel operations, and digitalization are encouraged to take part in the new scheme.
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