Investing in Disruptive Tech - A Panel Discussion

In an ever-changing and increasingly volatile world, ports and terminals are facing mounting pressure to boost efficiency. As such, embracing new disruptive technology has therefore become essential. Yet, what does this mean in practical terms?

From incorporating digital solutions to developing innovation hubs, port innovation emerges not from isolated efforts but from networks that align multiple players in a coordinated effort: Universities, start-ups, maritime authorities, logistics companies, and government institutions. Although start-ups can offer ports innovative technologies – such as AI-based tools or data platforms – there is still a gap between the technological and maritime sectors when it comes to understanding the business relevance of this: Why is it important for a port to invest in disruptive tech? What real market problems are start-ups going to solve for the port? What is the business case for this? And looking the other way around, how can start-ups go from having an idea to serving the industry and making a substantial change?

Even when the decision to invest in disruptive technology is made, a few relevant questions remain: Where to begin? How to place a business case? What is the return on that investment? And how to mitigate potential risks?

This panel of leading technology innovators will uncover the tangible benefits of establishing corporate venture capital arms, what technologies deep tech start-ups should be tackling, how ports can engage with the best start-ups and what funding is required to scale ideas into industry-ready solutions.

KEY TALKING POINTS:

• Why is it relevant for maritime stakeholders to invest in innovation? What are the tangible benefits?
• Who are the ports leading in disruptive technology investment? Why is it disruptive?
• What role do governments play in facilitating innovation? How can they work in tandem with the private sector to accelerate the adoption of disruptive technologies?
• Investing in start-ups: Where to begin? What are the OKRs?
• Beyond tech: What is the talent required to maximise these investments?