The Port Authority of Valencia hosted the annual strategic meeting of the Port Innovators Network (PIN), the global network of port innovation hubs of which Opentop is a founding member. It was a time to look back, take stock of what has been achieved and, above all, decide together where to go next in 2027.
PIN's purpose is to take port innovation beyond the boundaries of any single port. The network brings together innovation hubs from different countries with a twofold aim: to share knowledge, best practices and opportunities, and to support the international expansion of startups and technology solutions from the port and logistics ecosystem.
The Valencia meeting was the best attended in PIN's history, with nine of the network's eleven hubs taking part. All three founding members were there: homePORT, from the Port of Hamburg; The PIER, from the Port of Halifax, with two representatives; and Opentop, which acted as host. They were joined by three representatives from the Port of San Diego, two from the Port of Vienna, and delegations from the Port of Esbjerg (Denmark), Bahía Blanca (Argentina) and the Port of Tyne (UK). The ports of Northern Ireland, represented by NIMO (Northern Ireland Maritime & Offshore), also attended, making their debut at the annual meeting following their recent addition to the network.
This turnout reflects PIN's strong momentum and the commitment of a community that keeps on growing.
During the session, participants reviewed the activities carried out throughout 2026 and expressed their satisfaction with the results. They highlighted two achievements: the growth of the network, which has welcomed new members this year, and stronger collaboration between hubs through joint initiatives.
The meeting also served to prepare for the year ahead. PIN members worked on defining new activities for 2027 aimed at boosting open innovation across the hubs. The goal is to create more opportunities for collaboration between startups, ports, operators and industry players, and to consolidate the network as an international benchmark in port innovation.
The strategic meeting was only the first day of a busy port innovation agenda in Valencia. Over the following days, PIN members took an active part in PEIC (Port Entrepreneurship International Congress) and got a first-hand look at the Port of Valencia on a technical boat tour of its facilities.
See you at the next PIN meeting! ⚓