New Latitude

It is an open innovation programme created to address real challenges in the international port sector through the identification, evaluation and validation of scalable technological solutions that can be replicated in other port environments.

The international call is now open! Submit your challenge HERE.

Program status: In progress

Parties involved

Promotors

Associates

ODS

(Sustainable Development Goals)

Background

The Port of Barcelona is deploying a long-term strategy to establish itself as a leading European hub for innovation applied to the blue economy. This vision is being brought to life through initiatives such as BlueTechPort, an innovation district aimed at attracting startups, corporates, research centres and international partners linked to the transformation of the port sector.

In this context, New Latitude was created, a programme that connects the Port’s open innovation strategy with specific operational challenges. The initiative brings together the capabilities of the BCN Port Innovation Foundation, BlueTechPort and Safetytech Accelerator to optimise challenge definition, the identification of technological solutions, feasibility assessment and the design of future pilots.

In this first edition, the partner organisations are covering the programme’s execution costs, reinforcing their shared commitment to innovation in the port sector.

Description

New Latitude is an open innovation programme designed to transform port challenges into applicable, measurable solutions with scalability potential. The programme is based on real needs identified by the Port of Barcelona and its port community, with the aim of identifying technologies and partners capable of generating environmental, operational and economic impact.

The programme is structured around three priority areas:

Green Digital Corridors & Trusted Data Spaces: aims to drive digitalisation, standardisation and the secure exchange of data to support the decarbonisation and efficiency of maritime transport.
Circular Economy & Innovative Raw Materials: focuses on the collection and transformation of plastic waste generated in the port environment, reintroducing it as valorised materials within the same ecosystem.
Evolving Ports to Integrate Nature: aligned with the RegenPorts initiative, it addresses the need to evolve towards a port model that actively contributes to environmental regeneration.

The programme’s methodology includes the definition and validation of challenges with stakeholders, global technology scouting, the selection of startups and innovative companies, deep dive sessions, and feasibility studies.

The international call is now open! Submit your challenge HERE.

Objectives

Fostering open innovation in the port sector: the programme aims to connect real challenges from the Port of Barcelona with technological solutions developed by startups, scaleups and innovative companies, facilitating collaboration between corporates, institutions and ecosystem stakeholders.
Addressing global strategic challenges: it focuses on key areas for the future of ports, including the secure digitalisation of maritime corridors, material circularity and the environmental regeneration of port infrastructures.
Identifying applicable and scalable solutions: projects must have a real application at the Port of Barcelona while also being replicable in other ports or sectors, extending the programme’s impact beyond the local environment.
Assessing the feasibility of future pilots: the programme supports selected solutions through feasibility studies to analyse their technical maturity, operational fit, impact potential and the conditions required for a potential pilot test.
Strengthening the international positioning of the Port of Barcelona: it contributes to consolidating Barcelona as a European hub for blue innovation, attracting talent, international corporates and technologies capable of accelerating the sustainable transformation of the port sector.