Singapore-based shipmanager Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has teamed up with entrepreneurs’ network Techstars to jointly launch a new MaritimeTech startup accelerator.
The EPS MaritimeTech Accelerator Powered by Techstars will be based at EPS’ headquarters, and will begin accept applications from startups around the world from April 2019.
From these applications ten companies will be selected to participate in the inaugural accelerator group, with an intensive three-month programme of research and development, mentorship, and collaboration scheduled to begin from November 2019.
“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,” said Gil Ofer, Business Development Manager of EPS.
“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.”
The accelerator will culminate in February 2020 with a demo day where every startup will pitch its business to an audience of venture capitalists and industry experts with the goal of facilitating investment in their companies.
“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,” said Will Robinson, VP of Asia-Pacific Sales at Techstars.
“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. We’re excited to further expand the Techstars brand and network in the APAC region and look forward to working with EPS to support entrepreneurs in their journey to transform this enormous industry.”
