Dutch Port Technologies Accelerator Announces 2018 Startup Selection

PortXL, a Rotterdam, Netherlands-based international accelerator for maritime and port-related technologies, has announced its selection of 14 startups to participate in a three-month accelerator program, set to begin in March.

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In an announcement on Tuesday, PortXL said that the program reviewed 1,000 startups, selecting 14 companies that showed the most potential to innovate the port sector.

The world’s only accelerator dedicated to port technologies, Port XL’s program is mentorship-driven and aims to connect innovative startups with port industry leaders around the world.

Among the selected companies are Marine Bubble Flow B.V., which developed a technology that reduces the friction encountered by ships moving through water, to reduce fuel consumption; predictive marine vessel maintenance company WhaleWashing; blockchain cargo company CargoLedger BV; and maritime cybersecurity company Threatspan.

Also among the 14 selected companies are two Israel-based startups, DockTech, which develops a water depth analysis and prediction platform for ports and waterway, and ECOncrete Tech Ltd., which develops an eco-friendly concrete for marine infrastructures such as including ports, marinas, and breakwaters. Among the 14 participating startups, ECOncrete is the only one dedicated to maritime environmental solutions.

Founded in 2012 and based in Tel Aviv, ECOncrete’s products are designed to alleviate the biological damage caused by extensive marine infrastructure development by offering infrastructure solutions based on concrete which is biologically suited to support natural aquatic flora and fauna.

In a phone interview on Thursday, ECOncrete CEO and Chief Scientist Shimrit Perkol-Finkel told Calcalist that the port industry is very traditional, and that networking and mentorship opportunities such as this could help ECOncrete push its innovative approach to marine infrastructure forward.

“Rotterdam is a significant hub for maritime technology and business,” Ms. Perkol-Finkel said. “Participating in this program will connect us to the biggest industry players in the world. Rotterdam is an entry ticket to every other coastal European country.”