In Singapore, the port and the thousands of ships that pass through it are the everyday background of life. The island city-state is one of the world’s leading maritime hubs, and every large actor in the maritime community must have a presence. It’s also a Techstars hub with extensive VC activity and a diverse and multicultural population that share English as a common language.

That’s why Singapore was the clear choice for the world’s first global MaritimeTech accelerator: EPS MaritimeTech Accelerator powered by Techstars.

“It’s the perfect place for entrepreneurs in maritime tech to base themselves for a few months to build out their network and realize new business partnerships,” says Dhritiman Hui, the new managing director of the mentorship-driven accelerator program. Applications for the program are open now, and are due by July 7, 2019.

Shipping is one of the oldest industries in the world, yet it has significant progress to make in terms of technological advancements in order to bring it on par with other mature industries.

“The maritime world has traditionally lagged behind other sectors when it comes to embracing and leveraging the power of digital solutions and new technology,” Hui says. “Now, the confluence of new regulation, an influx of tech-savvy entrepreneurs interested in the space, and large, deep-pocketed VC funds, intrigued by the size and the possibilities of the maritime sector, are threatening to shift that paradigm.”

Through this accelerator, Techstars, the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, and EPS, a global leader in maritime tech, will provide tools, access, and mentorship to the next generation of entrepreneurs in the shipping and maritime industry. These entrepreneurs have the opportunity to drive dramatic impact in this $183 billion global industry. Costs involved in global shipping are currently so large that new efficiencies and technologies could save millions of dollars industry-wide—and positively impact climate change.

Having spent several years in the maritime sector, Hui has deep familiarity with the countless technological opportunities in the space. Hui also serves as managing director of Techstars other accelerator based in Singapore, Rakuten Accelerator, powered by Techstars. “I’m excited to be a shoulder to lean on for founders building businesses in Singapore,” he says.

While the accelerator is open to any startup with technology applicable to the maritime industry, the following themes will be especially considered: Fuel efficiency, vessel and commercial optimisation (including AI/IoT), shore-side technology, safety, cybersecurity, 3D printing and advanced materials, immersive technologies (AR/VR), and environmental preservation.

Does EPS MaritimeTech Accelerator powered by Techstars sound like a good fit for your company? If so, we want to hear from you! Request more information about the program, schedule one-on-one office hours, or apply now through July 7, 2019.

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