Microsoft helps set up maritime start-up studio for ESG solutions

“The maritime industry is picking up the pace in digitalisation, but to achieve widescale impact and sustainability outcomes, an ecosystem approach that aligns interests such as Studio 30 50 is needed,” said IMC Ventures partner Axel Tan.

Applications to Studio 30 50 are set to open in April 2023. Shortlisted founders and start-ups will receive an invitation to join the first cohort in June.

“Closer collaboration between corporates and start-ups is key for scaling innovations, which will be important for successful transformation and decarbonisation of our industry,” said DNV regional maritime advisor Sharin Osman.

The first cohort will be exposed to the issues facing the maritime industry and prompted to conceive disruptive solutions for new companies. Applicants will be given support in the form of product management, technical knowhow, data support and venture capitalists’ validation.

“A consortium-based venture studio to enhance corporate-backed venture building for the maritime industry is something that aligns seamlessly with our inbuilt philosophy of collaboration,” said Wilhelmsen vice president for a portfolio of emerging opportunities Nakul Malhotra.

Studio 30 50 will be based in Singapore where the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) will also be a key partner.

“Studio 30 50 will enrich Singapore’s maritime innovation community through their connectivity to corporates networks to attract more talents, bring in new ideas, raise funding and scale-up support for new founders and start-ups,” said MPA director for innovation, technology and talent development Ng Yi Han.

“We encourage more venture capitalists and maritime corporates to tap into the large base of demand drivers and solutions providers in Singapore, and a rich research ecosystem that is supported by a highly educated workforce, strong protection for intellectual property, and quality R&D infrastructure.”

Microsoft joins Studio 30 50 as the principal innovation partner in the collaboration and will support all funded start-ups that will be incubated via its Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub programme.

The platform offers benefits and credits, gives start-ups free access to technology across the Microsoft Cloud, tools, and resources they need to build and run their business.

This includes the most trusted, secure, open-source friendly and compliant cloud platform and developer and productivity tools including GitHub Enterprise, Visual Studio Enterprise and Microsoft 365.

“Our first-in-Singapore collaboration with leaders in the global maritime space will infuse innovation in data and artificial intelligence, sustainability and security into all parts of the industry,” said Microsoft Singapore chief technology officer Richard Koh.

“We are confident this ecosystem collaboration will empower Singapore to transform the global maritime industry at scale with homegrown innovation on the Microsoft Cloud, while addressing challenges in sustainable energy use, resourcing and process optimisation.”

Beyond access to technology, Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub should empower entrepreneurs to innovate and grow by connecting them with mentors who will provide them with industry, business and technical guidance to help navigate to their next business milestones.

Sign up for Riviera’s series of technical and operational webinars and conferences in 2023:

• Register to attend by visiting our events page.
• Watch recordings from all of our webinars in the webinar library.