PortXL, the marine startup accelerator based in Rotterdam, has introduced 11 scalable startups for the 2026 acceleration program. This group was selected from over 250 global applications and includes three main areas related to the future of ports and shipping: marine and offshore, energy and infrastructure, and dual-use.
History and Achievements of PortXL
Since its establishment in 2015, PortXL has facilitated the connection of startups and scale-ups with corporate partners, investors, and advisors in the marine, energy, logistics, and chemical industries. So far, 141 startups have participated in the PortXL acceleration program, achieving a significant survival rate of 76 percent. Graduates of this program have raised over 202 million euros in funding.
Read more: Development of the RENMARINAS project at the Port of Valencia using renewable energies
2026 Acceleration Program
The 2026 acceleration program will take place from October 6 to December 3 in Rotterdam. This program includes three weeks focused on market access, funding, and building a network of peers and advisors. During this time, the group will come together in three separate weeks in Rotterdam to collaborate with advisors and explore opportunities with key program partners, including the Port of Rotterdam and various innovation partners such as the Ministry of Defense and the Municipality of Rotterdam.
PortXL also welcomes the addition of several new innovation partners to whom startups will be introduced, including Damen and Royal IHC. With the collaboration of this industrial network and knowledge partners, startups and scale-ups will reach a higher level of development and contribute to a more sustainable, resilient, and efficient marine and port industry.
The 2026 PortXL startup and scale-up acceleration group includes the following startups:
- Bluefins (France): A re-installable auxiliary propulsion system for ships that reduces fuel consumption by up to 20 percent.
- BioHalo (Denmark): Developer of biodegradable surface materials for coatings.
- Elnav (Croatia): Marine artificial intelligence technology focused on system coordination and professional judgment.
- Marine Weather Intelligence (France): Provider of weather forecasts for maritime transport.
- Shipsonic (Netherlands): Supplier of ultrasonic anti-fouling technology for ships.
- CLHYNN (France): Developer of a fuel cell with an integrated hydrogen source.
- Meterspersecond (Netherlands): Manufacturer of vertical wind turbines with double the energy density of conventional designs.
- PointCanvas (UK): Converts 3D scans into spatial insights within hours.
- Aetherion Defence (Luxembourg): Developer of a distributed radar network for detecting low-altitude drones.
- Cleardrop (France): Maintains optical sensors in adverse weather conditions.
- Copsys (Canada): Developer of self-sensing digital coatings for ships and infrastructure.
Read more: Lloyd's Register and Jurong Port provide new guidance for cargo safety · Collaboration between Latis and Prostep in data transformation in shipbuilding
