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Miami-Dade Innovation Authority seeks startup solutions to improve PortMiami cargo operations

Nancy Dahlberg
Nancy Dahlberg
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At least 3 startups will receive $100K grants and can pilot test their technology at the port.

Smart port technologies are crucial for improving cargo management operations at PortMiami, one of Miami-Dade County’s biggest economic drivers. Today, a Miami-Dade nonprofit is again calling for startups locally and globally to present, test and scale their innovative solutions.

Miami-Dade Innovation Authority launched its third Public Innovation Challenge today. MDIA is a nonprofit with a mission to leverage tech to identify and scale innovative solutions to the county’s most pressing challenges, including sustainability, housing, transit and more.

The new challenge: MDIA seeks proposals from local and global early-to-growth stage startup companies with innovative approaches to enhancing cargo visibility at PortMiami, with a focus on public data-based solutions.  Together with PortMiami and Miami-Dade County, MDIA will select at least three startups and provide $100,000 in funding to each company to support pilot testing at the Port so that they can be scaled to others globally.

“Bringing innovation and technology to track cargo in real-time at PortMiami is a big step forward towards our goal of being the top trading destination of the Americas,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, in a statement. PortMiami supports more than 334,000 jobs and contributes $43 billion annually to the local economy.

Leigh-Ann Buchanan, president and CEO of MDIA, called this a “game-changing opportunity” for startups to innovate with smart port solutions.

Leigh-Ann Buchanan

 “As cargo movement surges, enhanced visibility is crucial for efficiency, sustainability, and cost reduction across the supply chain. By bridging the gap between innovators and the public sector, we aim to accelerate solutions that set a global benchmark,” said Buchanan. “This not only pioneers the future of cargo management and solidifies Miami-Dade as a leading innovation hub, but it also incorporates the needs of Miami residents and small businesses to receive goods in transit more reliably.”

In addition to receiving funding, the selected companies will participate in a product testing program directly with PortMiami, which will be overseen by MDIA. MDIA will also work closely with the portfolio companies to publish a report on the outcomes and results, as well as activate its network of partners and resources to publicize the report and key findings. 

The MDIA launched in 2023 with $9 million in seed funding from Miami-Dade County, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Citadel Founder and CEO Ken Griffin to support three public challenges a year. In January, MDIA selected four startups for its first challenge: to find sustainable uses for sargassum, the seaweed that piles up on local beaches, impacting tourism. Late last year, MDIA opened challenge No. 2, , which is seeking solutions for improving the passenger experience at Miami International Airport, and is evaluating applications now.

The deadline to submit seaport-related proposals for the third challenge is April 26, 2024. To submit, visit mdia.miami/port.

Photo credit: PortMiami

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Nancy Dahlberg
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