Maritime Technologies Incubator Launched in New York

The newly formed Maritime Global Technologies Innovation Center (MGTIC) is a collaborative incubator hosted at SUNY Maritime College that sets out to foster technology developments in the maritime space through entrepreneurial innovations.

“Shipping interests exist in an increasingly complex environment and are impacted by new problems every day. At the same time, entrepreneurs and researchers seek to remedy these problems,” said MGTIC co-founder Dr. Christopher Clott, ABS Chair of Marine Transportation and Logistics at SUNY Maritime College. “Equipped with the assets of the New York City area, coupled with focused expertise in complex maritime activities, MGTIC will bring people together and support an ecosystem for the benefit of maritime interests at sea, in port, and on land.”

Some of the impetus for this initiative comes from the global perception that New York doesn’t have a strong technology focus. In recent years, New York has ranked near the bottom of the list in the leading capitals of the world ranking for maritime technology, which lowers the total profile of the maritime center.

“New York is a hub for maritime activity and money. The NYC metropolitan area offers access to an unparalleled volume of shipping companies, port and terminal providers, law firms, professional maritime organizations, as well as an abundance of private equity and financial institutions,” said MGTIC co-founder Richard Dr. Richard Burke, ABS Professor of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. “The mission of Maritime Global Technologies is to lead, connect and catalyze those groups seeking to make a positive impact by offering the resources necessary for the development and implementation of practical, profitable and environmentally sustainable solutions.”

The primary areas of activity for the MGTIC will include technology development focusing on enhancements in both the digital and physical spheres that address both current and future problems for all things maritime; creative innovation support including the expansion of networks to provide financial support and guidance to technological start-up firms; implementation support promoting the encouragement of technical collaboration with faculty, students and industry experts for product development, design, testing and application and outreach through the establishment of connections with other technological ecosystems in Asia, Europe and elsewhere to share and learn.

“The MGTIC is a forward-leaning collaboration designed to facilitate the transformative period the maritime industry is transiting,” Clott said. “With a dynamic advisory board, industry and financial support, we look forward to being the catalyst for change in the maritime arena.”