Startups and Nautical Industry Leaders Present Their Innovation and Sustainability Projects

Innovation and entrepreneurship in the nautical sector took center stage at the Blue Startups Pitch Event, an event organized by Balearic Marine Cluster and held this Wednesday, February 19, at the Autoritat Portuària de Balears (APB). This key gathering brought together startups, investors, and industry leaders to share ideas and technological solutions for the future of the nautical sector.

The event kicked off at 10:30 AM with a welcome coffee, providing attendees with an initial networking space in an environment conducive to the exchange of ideas. Following this, Javier Sanz, president of the Autoritat Portuària de Balears (APB), inaugurated the event with remarks highlighting the importance of innovation and sustainability in port management and the development of the nautical industry.

After his speech, Guillermo García, in his first address as president of Balearic Marine Cluster, emphasized the cluster’s commitment to innovation and investment in the sector. García underscored the significance of events like the Blue Startups Pitch Event in driving projects that could redefine the nautical industry.

"At Balearic Marine Cluster, we continue to support these initiatives because we firmly believe in the importance of innovation and investment for the sector’s growth. The startups presenting their projects today are tackling some of the industry's biggest challenges, from sustainability to digitalization. Our goal with this event is to create a space for connection between entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, fostering collaboration and new business opportunities," García stated.

He also noted that this event follows the Pitch Event held at the Balearic Superyacht Forum 2024 and announced that a new edition of this forum will take place on April 29 and 30, reaffirming the cluster’s commitment to creating networking and knowledge-sharing spaces within the nautical sector.

The Blue Startups Pitch Event focused on presenting startups developing innovative solutions to transform the nautical industry. These emerging companies are prioritizing sustainability, digitalization, and new technologies as key pillars to modernize the industry and make it more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to discover pioneering projects in areas such as electric propulsion, digital port management, marine ecosystem restoration, and automated spill detection in ports. Each startup had the chance to present its business model, share technological advancements, and answer questions from potential investors and industry collaborators.

The startups that participated in the session included:

• EseaPropulsion – Sustainable electric propulsion for boats, offering an efficient and eco-friendly alternative for navigation.

• Seawex – Advanced digital port management solutions, enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of ports.

• Garau Ingenieros – Development of automated spill detection systems in ports, contributing to environmental protection.

• Medvolt – Innovation in electric shipbuilding, promoting more sustainable and efficient vessels.

• Ocean Ecostructures – Marine ecosystem restoration and biodiversity projects, supporting the regeneration of maritime environments.

• Searebbel – Development of an intelligent navigation system that optimizes onboard experiences and improves safety at sea.

• Sundock – Renewable energy technology applied to batteries and solar panels, promoting energy self-sufficiency in the nautical sector.

• V2 Group – 3D-printed boat manufacturing, opening new possibilities in shipbuilding with innovative materials.

Initially, Metarina, specializing in the digitalization of marinas and yacht ports, was also scheduled to participate, but due to internal reasons, the startup was unable to attend the event.

The presentations allowed entrepreneurs to showcase their projects, generate interest, and establish strategic connections with investors, industry representatives, and other key players in the nautical sector. The event solidified itself as a hub for exchanging ideas and fostering opportunities for the industry’s future.

The event concluded at 12:00 PM with a networking cocktail, where attendees had the opportunity to exchange ideas, create business opportunities, and strengthen collaboration between startups, investors, and industry leaders.