The Lighthouse International Acceleration Program has officially launched its inaugural 2026 cohort, unveiling eight international startups selected from more than 65 applications worldwide during the program’s kick-off event, held yesterday at the World Trade Center Barcelona (WTCB).
Representing seven countries across three continents, the selected startups showcase the breadth of innovation shaping the future of ports, maritime logistics and the blue economy. The cohort includes MarinaChain (Singapore), an AI-powered platform automating maritime emissions compliance and ESG reporting; Heyport (Germany), an AI-driven solution streamlining port call coordination and pre-arrival workflows; Pharaday (France), an AI hub that integrates legacy systems and automates maritime operations; Gatein.ai (USA), an edge AI and computer vision platform for real-time container and trailer tracking; Methanol Reformer (Spain), a modular technology providing decentralized hydrogen and clean electricity for ports and critical infrastructure; Linsol (South Korea), a developer of ultrasonic acoustic monitoring technology for detecting gas leaks and electrical failures; KOAI (South Korea), creator of AI-powered autonomous marine robots for detecting and collecting floating debris and pollutants; and Notpla (United Kingdom), the Earthshot Prize-winning startup developing seaweed-based, plastic-free packaging solutions.
“The maritime sector is undergoing a transformation driven by sustainability, digitalisation, and innovation. The Lighthouse program is not just an acceleration initiative; it’s a strategic investment in the future of our port and the blue economy”, commented Emma Cobos, Director of Innovation & Blue Economy Strategy, Port of Barcelona.
“The global maritime industry is ripe for disruption. From emissions compliance to port automation, from marine robotics to sustainable packaging, the solutions are out there. Lighthouse is the bridge between them and the port ecosystem”, added Ruben Hernandez, Head of BlueTechPort & Strategic Development, World Trade Center Barcelona.
These early-stage innovators, selected for their technical maturity (TRL ≥ 5), market potential, and alignment with key verticals – Digital Ports & Automation, Logistics & Maritime Mobility, Maritime Infrastructure & Resilience, Port & Maritime Sustainability, Ocean & Environmental Monitoring, and Marine Biotechnology – reflect the diversity, ambition, and urgency driving the global blue economy. With $1.5 billion in venture capital flowing into blue tech and ocean observation in 2025 – a staggering 180% increase from the previous year – the maritime sector is no longer just infrastructure. It is becoming a living innovation ecosystem.
About the Lighthouse International Acceleration Program
Launched in April 2026, the Lighthouse International Acceleration Program is a 12-week hybrid initiative led by BlueTechPort, supported by the Port of Barcelona, with technical expertise from Mind the Bridge. Its goal is to connect global startups with real operational challenges in the maritime and port sector, enabling pilots, partnerships, and scale opportunities within one of Europe’s leading blue economy hubs.
“BlueTechPort is more than a hub: it’s a living lab. By opening the Port of Barcelona to global startups, we’re turning real operational challenges into innovation opportunities. The 2026 cohort is proof that the future of maritime innovation is already here”, highlighted Carles Anglada, CEO, World Trade Center Barcelona.
The program, running from 6 July to 5 November 2026, is designed to accelerate startups through three parallel workstreams – plenary sessions, business mentoring, and technical mentorship with port and industry partners – plus leveraging the Port of Barcelona as a real-world testbed for their solutions in maritime innovation, port operations, logistics, and the blue economy.
“Startups don’t need to relocate in order to scale. They need access to real-world environments, pilot opportunities, and strategic partners. Lighthouse delivers all three. We’re proud to support these 8 companies as they grow from vision to impact”, concluded Francesca Cavanna, Managing Director Europe, Mind the Bridge.
Finally, startups will gain access to pilots, investor networks, and a global platform, with key milestones including Innovation Days (November 2–3) and a final pitch at Smart City Expo World Congress – Tomorrow. Blue Economy (November 3–5, 2026).
Learn more: https://www.lighthouseacceleration.com/
Meet the 2026 Lighthouse Cohort
- MarinaChain (Singapore)
An AI-powered platform automating regulatory compliance for maritime emissions, including EU ETS, IMO DCS, CII, and FuelEU. Its modular suite – including MarinaDocs, ParseAI, and MarinaNet – streamlines ESG reporting for shipping fleets. - Heyport (Hamburg, Germany)
A digital port coordination platform that replaces emails, Excel, and phone calls with real-time, AI-driven workflows. Its Port Call Workspace and Pre-arrival Forms align with EU eMSWe regulations, enabling seamless integration with port systems. - Pharaday (Bordeaux, France)
A modular AI hub that centralizes data from legacy systems, emails, and APIs to automate operational workflows for shipping agents, charterers, and brokers. Its white-label API and NLP engine enable plug-and-play integration. - Gatein.ai (Seattle, USA)
An edge-based AI and computer vision platform for real-time container and trailer tracking in port yards. With satellite connectivity and on-premise data control, it reduces manual errors and improves yard visibility. - Methanol Reformer (Barcelona, Spain)
A decentralized hydrogen and electricity generation platform using methanol reforming. Its modular, containerized systems provide grid-independent, clean energy for ports, railways, and critical infrastructure. - Linsol (Daejeon, South Korea)
A pioneer in ultrasonic acoustic detection for real-time gas leak and electrical failure monitoring. Its patented sound tech is already deployed in industrial plants and port facilities. - KOAI (Busan, South Korea)
A marine robotics company developing AI-powered autonomous robots to detect, collect, and monitor floating debris, oil spills, and pollutants. Their KOBOT system has been tested at Port Klang, Malaysia, with port authorities and police. - Notpla (London, United Kingdom)
A regenerative packaging company creating biodegradable, compostable, and water-soluble materials from seaweed. Winner of the Earthshot Prize 2022, Notpla is now scaling its seaweed-based cardboard coating across Benelux.