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The Port Authority of Barcelona, in collaboration with the BCN Port Innovation Foundation, BlueTechPort, and the Safetytech Accelerator, has launched a new innovation program. The program, titled „New Latitude – Open Innovation Programme by Port of Barcelona,“ was presented at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) and aims to address current challenges in international port operations. These include secure data transmissions, promoting the circular economy, and integrating nature into port structures.
Cooperation and Objectives
The program presentation took place during a panel discussion moderated by Miquel de la Mano (far left), Chief Technology Officer of the BCN Port Innovation Foundation. The speakers included (from left to right) Catalina Grimalt, Deputy Director General of the Port of Barcelona, Marius Suteu, Managing Director of the Safetytech Accelerator, and Carles Anglada, CEO of the World Trade Centers Barcelona. The speakers explained that the program aims to consolidate the competencies and knowledge of the participating institutions to define challenges, identify technological solutions, and conduct feasibility studies.
In the first edition of the program, the BCN Port Innovation Foundation, BlueTechPort, and Safetytech Accelerator will cover operational costs to strengthen the joint commitment to applied innovation. Companies within the BlueTechPort ecosystem, as well as the BCN Port Innovation Foundation, will have priority in defining innovation challenges to ensure that the program meets the real needs of the Port of Barcelona.
Focus Areas of the Program
The program focuses on three key areas. The first area, „Green Digital Corridors & Trusted Data Spaces,“ emerged from an agreement between the ports of Barcelona and Shanghai, signed in August 2025. The goal is to promote the digitalization, standardization, and decarbonization of maritime transport and facilitate the secure exchange of data among port stakeholders.
The second area, „Circular Economy & Innovative Raw Materials,“ aims to collect and transform plastic waste generated in the port area to reuse it as recycled materials within the port ecosystem. This is intended to significantly reduce the amount of waste.
The third area, „Evolving Ports to Integrate Nature,“ is part of the RegenPorts initiative and aims to develop a port model that not only minimizes negative impacts but actively contributes to ecological regeneration.
Outlook and Future Developments
The New Latitude program will launch in April, with a presentation of results in November during the event „Smart Ports: Piers of the Future,“ which will take place as part of the Smart City Expo World Congress 2026. The resulting feasibility studies will be evaluated and could receive a specific budget line from the foundation to conduct pilot trials.
Representatives of the participating institutions expressed their desire for the program to continue in future editions to solidify its role as a recurring initiative within the open innovation strategy of the Port of Barcelona.
