Over the last ten years, 141 start-ups have participated in PortXL’s acceleration programme, boasting an impressive survival rate of 76%. Its alumni have collectively secured over €202 million in funding.

Rotterdam,– PortXL, the Rotterdam-based maritime start-up accelerator, presents the eleven start-ups and scale-ups selected for its 2026 acceleration programme. The cohort was chosen from a global pool of over 250 applicants. The cohort spans three focus areas that are relevant for the future of ports and the maritime industry: Maritime & Offshore, Energy & Infrastructure, and Dual Use.

Foundation of PortXL

Since its establishment in 2015, PortXL has connected start-ups and scale-ups with corporate partners, investors and mentors from the maritime, energy, logistics and chemical industries. Over the last ten years, 141 start-ups have participated in PortXL’s acceleration programme, boasting an impressive 76% survival rate. Its alumni have raised over €202 million in funding.

PortXL's second decade starts with a cohort

'PortXL's second decade starts with a cohort that reflects the direction in which the sector is heading,' says Koen Vogel, Director of PortXL. 'Resilience, security and the energy transition are converging in the port and maritime sector, and these start-ups and scale-ups are operating at the intersection of these areas. Over the coming weeks, our shared goal is to turn introductions into tangible value for both our partners and the founders."

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Accelerator programme

The 2026 cohort will take part in an accelerator programme running in Rotterdam from 6 October to 3 December. The programme's three weeks focus on access to markets and capital, and on establishing a network of peers and mentors. During this period, the cohort will convene in Rotterdam for three separate weeks to collaborate with mentors and explore opportunities with our lead programme partner, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, as well as various innovation partners, including the Ministry of Defence and the Municipality of Rotterdam.
Bluefins
BioHalo
Elnav
Marine Weather Intelligence
Shipsonic
Energy & Infrastructure
CLHYNN
Meterspersecond
PointCanvas
Dual Use
Aetherion Defence
Cleardrop
Copsys

Bluefins (France)

Bluefins has developed an auxiliary propulsion system for ships that is shaped like a whale's tail. This system can be retrofitted to existing vessels and reduces fuel consumption by up to 20 percent. Designed for all types of ocean-going vessels, the system offers a return on investment within three to five years.

About PortXL

PortXL is a port and maritime accelerator, based in Rotterdam. Its mission is to accelerate innovative companies in the maritime, energy, logistics, and chemical industries. PortXL works with a global network of partners to connect startups and scale-ups with corporate partners, investors, and mentors. Alumni of the program have an incredible 76% survival rate. In addition, these alumni have raised over 202M EUR in funding.

Source: Press - Release received by Maritime Tickers

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