• The world’s first open innovation initiative connecting entrepreneurs with nine international logistics and port hubs
• Start-ups can learn about the challenges and submit their applications via https://portinnovators.net/challenges
• Organised by PIN, the global network of port innovation hubs co-founded by Opentop

Valencia, November,18th, 2025.- The Port Innovators Network (PIN) has launched 18 real-world challenges from across the port industry, the first such initiative of its kind for ports around the world.

A new web portal now connects innovators directly with these challenges. The goal is to accelerate the development, testing, adoption and integration of new solutions across the PIN network and in ports globally. Currently, 18 open challenges are accepting applications in the following categories: Cybersecurity, Port Operations, Ship Operations, Asset Management, Terminal Operations, Resilience & Sustainability, Communication & Connectivity, Training & Simulation.

These PIN Challenges were announced at the 2025 Port Entrepreneurship International Congress (PEIC) in Valencia (SPAIN), organized by PIN founding partner, Opentop, the innovation hub of Valenciaport.

To explore the challenges and submit solutions visit https://portinnovators.net/challenges . Once submitted, interested ports from the network will contact innovators directly to discuss testing, adoption, and potential scaling opportunities.

PIN Statement
“This initiative embodies the purpose of the Port Innovators Network. By collectively identifying common challenges faced by ports globally, we’re demonstrating the power of open innovation to address the maritime industry’s most pressing needs. For startups and innovators, this represents a unique opportunity to present solutions with potential for immediate implementation and scalability across nine ports in our network, with the possibility of global adoption beyond our membership.”
About PIN
Port Innovators Network (PIN) is a global network of port innovation hubs founded by homePORT (Port of Hamburg), Opentop (Valenciaport) and The PIER (Port of Halifax). Its mission is to drive innovation adoption across the global port system. PIN connects communities of innovation centers including startups, entrepreneurs, companies, researchers, universities, and investors to share ideas, project results, innovation experiences, methodologies, and best practices. Members include: Cubo Maritime & Port (Porto do Açu), SmartportLab (Port of Bahía Blanca), the 2050 National Maritime Innovation Hub (Port of Tyne) and Blue Economy Incubator (Port of San Diego), Port of Esbjerg (Port of Esbjerg) and thinkport VIENNA (Port of Vienna).