Smart Maritime Network, a leading platform for digital transformation in the maritime industry, is pleased to announce the launch of the Standardised Data Innovation Challenge 2023  in collaboration with ClassNK.

SIDIC’23 aims to foster innovation and accelerate the adoption of standardised data practices within the maritime sector. Recognising the immense potential of leveraging data to drive operational efficiency and enhance decision-making processes, ClassNK and Smart Maritime Network have joined forces to facilitate this exciting opportunity for maritime start-ups and entrepreneurs.

The challenge invites individuals and companies from around the world to showcase their solutions, applications and technologies that can turn vessel operational data into business value, utilising standardised datasets collected from participating shipping companies and stored within the Internet of Ships Open Platform (IoS-OP). Innovations focused on categories such as GHG, navigation support, machinery maintenance prediction, ship management, and the blue economy are particularly welcome.

Shortlisted participants will have the chance to present their solutions to a panel of high-level judges at the Smart Maritime Network Tokyo conference on 30 August.

Selected challenge entrants will have the opportunity to develop their technologies in partnership with major Japanese shipping companies, including NYK, MOL, and K-Line, as a member of the IoS-OP for up to five years. Membership fees, worth more than €10,000, will be covered by the challenge hosts for the chosen companies.

In addition, the winners will also receive mentorship from experts within the IoS-OP consortium, gain access to further funding opportunities from participating stakeholders, and will be offered membership in the Smart Maritime Council. An advertising and marketing package worth over €10,000 will also be made available to the chosen applications to assist them in presenting their solutions to a global audience.

“I am thrilled to partner with ClassNK and Smart Maritime Network for the Standardised Data Innovation Challenge 2023,” said Ando Hideyuki at MTI, the R&D arm of NYK Line, Chair of the judging panel.

“We believe that standardised data practices have the potential to revolutionise the maritime industry, driving efficiency, and enabling more informed decision-making. By providing a platform for innovators to showcase their solutions, we aim to accelerate the adoption of standardised data practices and unlock new possibilities for the industry’s digital transformation. We are excited to work with new and emerging talent in this sector and at MTI we are looking forward to working with the winners.”

The Standardised Data Innovation Challenge 2023 is now open for submissions, and interested participants are invited to visit the official challenge website for detailed information on eligibility, submission guidelines, and important dates.