Futuristic Aviation and Maritime Enterprise Inc (FAME) completed the inaugural PortXL program in Singapore. PortXL. the World’s 1st Port & Maritime Accelerator, concluded the first-ever program in Asia with a founding cohort of 7 startups, including FAME. Through the 3 month accelerator program, PortXL Singapore’s founding cohort proved their solutions could be used in solving challenges for maritime companies, with optimal cost saving measures and improved safety.
Philippines-based FAME, which develops long-range transponders for the tracking and monitoring of assets, caught the attention of BP. Claus Nehmzow, Digital Innovation Organization at BP, spoke of how he saw the potential of FAME’s technology as a tool for securing their oil and gas platforms at sea. “I was fascinated by FAME’s creative approach of utilizing relatively inexpensive technology for the benefits of fishermen in developing countries.”
“At first I thought there wouldn’t be any possible connection between the needs of a major oil and gas company and a fisher boat transponder project, but then I thought that perhaps the ability of being able to warn fishing boats if they are getting too close to oil or gas platforms and loading areas might be beneficial to all parties.” The two companies are looking to conduct a Proof of Concept (POC) project in the coming months.
With the conclusion of the first accelerator program in Singapore, PortXL is looking to conduct a second program in 2019. Christina Teo, Director of PortXL Singapore, spoke of the future of PortXL in Singapore, saying “PortXL is different from other accelerators due to our unique industry focus and the way we engage startups and corporates to build sustainable collaboration models together. We’re definitely looking forward to the next cohort in Singapore.”
