Batch #7 volume starts with a local focus

Starting signal for the incubator program: startport welcomes 6 new startups to the inner harbor

At the start point in Duisburg's inner harbor, the anchors are picked up again. As many as 6 new startups from the logistics and supply chain sectors are launching the incubator program in the new year (batch #7). The focus this year is on local proximity to the region and Europe's largest inland port. It is therefore not surprising that the number of participants does not reach the 30 startups as in the previous year. Since the launch of the innovation platform in 2017, the popularity of the program among founders across Europe has been growing steadily:

Quantitatively, there are fewer startups, but the quality that is included in the program has increased even more and the collaboration can be even closer. In addition, as part of the Innovation Challenges, we are connecting our exclusive partner directly with promising startups that can specifically solve the partners' questions and needs. We are pleased to be able to celebrate our 5th anniversary soon and to move forward with our new strategy,” says Johannes Franke, managing director of startport. Startups from a wide range of subject areas are also represented in the new year. KATMA CleanControl, CO2OPT GmbH, MANSIO GmbH, Logistikbude GmbH, Innovative Robot Delivery GmbH and CYBRID are represented with the topics of full automation, robotics, decarbonization, artificial intelligence, route optimization, digitization and the use of exoskeletons to reduce heavy physical work in logistics.

StartPort volumes now with a local focus

Since the first four startups moved to the inner harbor in 2018, startport has already supported a total of over 90 startups. The vintages grew continuously: in the second year, nine startups were accepted, in the third seven startups, in the fourth year already 15 and in the fifth and sixth, there were around 30 startups each. The funding of the new startups is intended to continue bringing companies in the Rhine-Ruhr location and logistics companies together to initiate joint projects. As a subsidiary of the Port of Duisburg, startport thus promotes the use of new technologies in industry and logistics. “Germany is still the world champion in logistics and therefore also has the urge to dedicate itself to innovative solutions relating to current logistics trends. These include reducing emissions and using AI to digitize supply chains. This is where startups come in and can help established companies,” says Jana Honeftidis, startup and community manager at startport.

Matchmaking and networking: This is what startups can expect in the incubator program at startport

For a whole year, the startport team supports the founders in various areas and provides them with advice and assistance. These program services are included in the twelve months: close support in creating an initial prototype by mentors in the partner network, individual matching for projects and potential customers, networking with investors at Investor Day, exclusive access to network expansion events, individually tailored and free workshops with expertise from industry experts, support in PR and marketing communication and attractive jobs in the co-working space.

With the completion of the incubator program, they are equipped with industry expertise and are able to bring their innovations for logistics and the supply chain to market.

Pilot projects between partners and startups

As a subsidiary of Duisburger Hafen AG, startport has built up a strong partner network over the almost 5 years of existence. This includes regional players such as Bohnen Logistik, Knauf Interfer, Duisburg Intermodal Terminal and Wirtschaftsbetriebe Duisburg. These are linked with specific startups in so-called Innovation Challenges and can thus successfully launch pilot projects. With this new format from startport, tailor-made innovations are assigned to the right companies and development at the Duisburg location is driven forward.

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