In the framework of the startup incubator we are integrating 22 startup companies into the Port's activities in five main areas:
- Operations
- Logistics
- Energy
- Security
- Cyber
By combining many years of knowledge about port operations with new technological opportunities we have opened new areas of innovation and growth, with unique pilot infrastructure projects that involve a large variety of segments. As the sole national port of the State of Israel, the process is receiving support from the government, as well as cooperation with shipping companies and ports around the globe.
Innovative technologies to make our work more efficient
In the framework of the innovation program, 22 startup companies have already been selected to implement the pilot phase of their products at the port. The companies will offer advanced technological solutions that may help make the port’s operations more efficient and it will be up to them to demonstrate the feasibility of the project and produce results.
The companies from the fields of security, energy, logistics and operations were selected from dozens of candidates who participated in a series of tenders.
The companies that were selected are receiving extensive support from the port’s staff and have a designated area for experimentation. The objective of the pilot period is to get to know the companies better, so that we can determine whether the products or services that they are offering can help improve the efficiency of the port’s operations or reduce our expenses. The Port Company will have the option of purchasing the products or services from these companies at a discount of 25 percent and to integrate them at the Port.
Leading change
Ashdod Port is going to train port employees to be innovation agents, which will guarantee the success of the technology integration process of the startup companies. The innovation agents will be the technology integrators at the Company, and they will also be given the opportunity to become entrepreneurs themselves and to raise issues that can be addressed at the Port Company or through startup companies that the port will help establish.
The technological incubator of the port industry
In the beginning of 2021, a unique technological incubator was established at Ashdod Port to promote innovative technologies in the ports and shipping industry.
In the framework of the incubator the port is supporting the development and establishment of startup companies, from the concept phase and onwards, providing them with designated experimental infrastructure and optimal conditions to turn their idea into a useful product.
Companies that have an idea, such as developing a unique product to make crane operations more efficient, can be assisted by the technological incubator to receive information that will make their vision a reality. The technological incubator will help them understand the needs of the international port market and they will meet professionals with extensive knowledge in the field, who will accompany them along the way.
Ashdod Port signed international agreements for collaboration in the field of innovation, with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce. We also established two innovation offices, in the Port of Newark and the Port of Barcelona, with the aim of promoting maritime technologies in the port industry and to allow startups to perform POC at these offices and others that will open in the future.
As the process moves forward, the port will be among the investors and owners of the startup companies, helping them sell the product or service that they are offering to ports and shipping companies around the globe. As such Ashdod Port, already the largest port in the State of Israel, will also become the most technologically advanced port in the entire region. In 2022 the Port’s Board of Directors approved investment in technology acquisitions from 4 startup companies that demonstrated successful POC at the port, totaling about 4.5 million shekels.
Conact us
For further information, please email Roi Avrahami, Chief Innovation Officer:
[email protected]
Among the startup companies already operating at the port:
ENWIZE
Technology that uses augmented reality and virtual reality to train operational teams for correct work and maintaining organizational knowledge.
WIZRD is an advanced AR/VR platform that allows anyone to carry out procedures using augmented reality and virtual reality to guide technical teams and ensure that they are following the maintenance and operation instructions correctly, efficiently, and safely. WIZRD prevents mistakes resulting from inexperience, a lack of knowledge or insufficient training. The app is available for field employees on smartphones, tablets, and AV/VR glasses, reducing downtime, loss of income, operational expenses, and training expenses, while also improving safety.
SpinFrame
Producing unique technology of automatic photography systems, combining AI technology for counting and detection of damage caused to vehicles while being unloaded from ships, without delays.
The system was developed for a capsule containing cameras to document the vehicles and AI technology to identify damage, which can be moved dock to dock. The system has the following capabilities:
1. 360-degree photography and documentation of vehicles
2. Identification of the barcode number on the vehicle window
3. Counting and linking the scanned vehicle to the list of chassis numbers provided by the port team
4. Uploading information to the cloud and to the port's operational systems
5. Making the information accessible so reports can be produced
Cyber 2.0
A system for defense against the spread of cyber-attacks (including encryption attacks) within the organizational network.
Cyber 2.0's solution is to fully block the spread of all cyber-attacks, including new and unrecognized ones, within and outside the organizational network using innovative ZERO DAY technology, which encodes ports entering and exiting the workstations and servers.
GCC Team
Cyberview is unique management platform that is designed to allow for effective ongoing information security management. The pilot will allow the port to try out and adapt the system to suit the specific needs of its information security team, to minimize risk for the information and the organization.
The system was developed as an umbrella system that can cover and manage all aspects of organization information security. The system offers an innovative concept of managing information security in one place, allowing for proper, convenient, and effective management through a broad view of the field, including:
Real-time cyber news and alerts.Project and task management.Standard and regulation compliance management.Asset table management.Risk assessment interface.Cyber event monitoring and control interface.