The Port of Lisbon, Fórum Oceano, and Beta-i announced the three winners of the first edition of Tagus Innov, the open innovation program aimed at transforming the port ecosystem through the experimentation of new technologies and innovative solutions.

During Tagus Innov's Sharing Day, held today at the Port of Lisbon, the names of the startups chosen to implement pilot projects with the innovative solutions they presented in this open innovation program were revealed. This first edition focused on solutions for leisure and maritime tourism.

Winning Startups and Their Innovations:

DeepNeuronic: A solution based on artificial intelligence to optimize security and protection in port areas.

Nudgd: A solution that uses behavioral psychology to encourage sustainable and eco-efficient practices in port spaces.

NILG.AI: A digital platform for data analysis using artificial intelligence to promote the digitalization and simplification of procedures.
 

Isabel Moura Ramos, a board member of the Port of Lisbon (APL) in charge of strategy and innovation, highlighted that “Tagus Innov is an integral part of the broader strategy of the Port of Lisbon to position itself as a catalyst for a decarbonized, digital, and circular economy. APL allocated an initial investment of 360,000 euros for this program and aims to attract private and European investment of up to one million euros over the next three years.” Isabel Moura Ramos also emphasized that “Tagus Innov is closely linked with other international ports, particularly through memorandums of understanding recently signed with the Port of Barcelona and the Port of Santos, Brazil. These agreements aim to share innovation initiatives and create a collaborative network of 'smart and green' ports.”

Carlos Pinho, Lead Manager of Portugal Blue Digital Hub, stated, “The Portugal Blue Digital Hub is a central platform in the digital transition of the maritime-port sector, playing a crucial role in integrating advanced technologies and promoting sustainability and energy efficiency. This project reflects a long-term strategic vision for the modernization of maritime infrastructures in Portugal, aligning the country with international best practices and driving the blue economy in a sustainable, digital, and technological way.”

The Port of Lisbon, "recognizing the importance of the Portugal Blue Digital Hub, has been heavily investing in innovation and digitalization. More than optimizing operations, the Port of Lisbon is focused on creating infrastructure prepared for the challenges of a global, digital, and green economy. Through the Tagus Innov program, the Port of Lisbon is positioning itself as an example of global competitiveness and innovation, with the crucial support of the Portugal Blue Digital Hub," said Ruben Eiras, Secretary General of Fórum Oceano.

The goal of Tagus Innov is to transform the Port of Lisbon into a "living lab," testing innovations that will strengthen its capacity as a smarter, greener, and more resilient port. In addition to promoting the development of new processes and technologies, the program also aims to attract talent, secure private investment, and foster internationalization.

The first edition of the Tagus Innov program was launched by the Port of Lisbon in partnership with Fórum Oceano and Beta-i, under the Portugal Blue Digital Hub initiative, supported by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). However, future editions may have a different context and involve new partners.

In this inaugural edition, the three winners were selected from a total of 94 applications through a rigorous process led by Beta-i, the strategic partner of Tagus Innov with extensive experience in business innovation. After an intensive bootcamp with only eight finalists, the startups had the opportunity to work closely with the Port of Lisbon team and the maritime and tourism ecosystem, refining their solution proposals.

In the coming months, with the technical and logistical support of APL and the program's partners, the solutions will be tested on the ground through pilot projects, with human resources and specialized support provided by Tagus Innov Partners. The goal is to co-create business models that can be scalable and replicable in other national and international ports.

Due to the success of this first edition, Tagus Innov already has plans for its expansion. The next edition will be launched in 2025 and will focus on Smart and Green Ports. The program is expected to expand to the Port of Setúbal, in collaboration with the Port of Lisbon, strengthening both as innovation hubs in the port and maritime sectors.

About Tagus Innov:
An open innovation program launched by the Port of Lisbon, with the first edition driven by the Portugal Blue Digital Hub and facilitated by Fórum Oceano and Beta-i. It involves a large network of port activity professionals, startups, academic institutions, and companies linked to the blue economy, gathered for a strategy of innovation and sustainability.

About the Port of Lisbon:
The Administration of the Port of Lisbon (APL) manages one of the most important ports in Europe, with a wide range of operations, from logistics to tourism. APL is committed to transforming the port into a hub of innovation and sustainability, aligned with the goals of decarbonization and digitalization of the blue economy. https://www.portodelisboa.pt/

About Fórum Oceano:
Fórum Oceano is a reference entity in the development of the sea economy, promoting initiatives that enhance innovation and sustainable growth in the sector.  https://forumoceano.pt/pt/ 
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About Beta-i:
Beta-i is one of the leading organizations in collaborative innovation in Europe, with extensive experience in implementing open innovation programs for companies and institutions. https://beta-i.com/

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