Israel’s Blue Tech Beacon: Leading the Future of Maritime Engineering and Smart Port Innovation

The maritime sector is undergoing a seismic shift. As global trade seeks efficiency and sustainability, the Israel Ports Development & Assets Company Ltd. (IPC), the Coastal and Marine Engineering Research Institute (CAMERI), and the SEANOVATION Innovation Center in Eilat are positioning Israel at the forefront of the Blue Economy. Through a unique synergy of national infrastructure, academic research, and dedicated acceleration programs, the Mediterranean and the Red Seas are transforming into a living laboratory for maritime technologies.

Dor Davidyan, Head of Innovation and ESG. Photo by: Yael Ilan

The Vision: From Landlord to Innovation Leader

The Israel Ports Company (IPC) serves as the “landlord” of Israel’s vital gateways, controlling the ports of Haifa, Ashdod, and Eilat. The implementation of the Landlord model within Israel’s port industry is a significant cornerstone in establishing an efficient and competitive port system, providing high-quality service to stakeholders in Israel’s foreign trade.
Under this model, the State of Israel maintains ownership of strategic assets and infrastructure (defined as designated lands) through the Israel Ports Development & Assets Company (IPC). Pursuant to the Shipping and Ports Authority Law, IPC, being a government-owned company, serves as the state’s executive arm for developing port infrastructure and managing port assets. Consequently, it functions as the ‘landlord’ of both port areas and the port hinterland.
The application of this model enables the creation of fair competitive conditions within the port environment, particularly in logistics and complementary services. It propels port and business activities forward, aligning them with the standards of the world’s most advanced ports.
Today, IPC is not just managing infrastructure; it is actively shaping it through a bold innovation strategy designed to turn Israel into a regional lighthouse for “Blue Tech” excellence.

Presenting Israel Ports Company’s Challenges to Blue-Tech Entrepreneurs. Photo by: Semyon Polinov

The Engine: CAMERI

At the heart of this ecosystem lies CAMERI. Jointly owned by IPC and the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, CAMERI serves as IPC’s official engineering innovation arm, operating world-class facilities such as a 48 m wave flume and towing tank and a massive wave basin. CAMERI allows startups to simulate complex marine environments and conduct rigorous feasibility studies for projects such as floating ports and resilient breakwaters.

A Comprehensive Gateway for Startups: SEANOVATION & IPC Call for Proposals

IPC, in collaboration with CAMERI, has launched a dedicated Call for Proposals to identify and integrate Israeli startups into the maritime sector. This initiative is further strengthened by a strategic partnership with the SEANOVATION Innovation Center in Eilat.
Together, IPC, CAMERI, and SEANOVATION offer a complete growth path for entrepreneurs, regardless of their stage of development:
• Pre-Acceleration Programs: For early-stage ventures and researchers looking to validate their initial maritime concepts.
• Acceleration Programs: For startups with a proven MVP ready to scale. These programs provide mentorship, regulatory guidance, and professional engineering support.
• Engineering Validation: Startups gain access to CAMERI’s unique testing facilities to prove their technology’s durability in marine conditions.
• Real-World Piloting: High-potential technologies can be integrated into IPC’s operational port environments, providing a rare opportunity for a first-tier global reference.
Testing the Impossible: From Sensors to Robotics
The synergy between all three parties provides a fast-track for ventures in:
• Smart Port & Logistics: AI-driven traffic and hinterland management
• Maritime Robotics: Autonomous vessels and underwater monitoring
• Climate Resilience: New materials and structures for “Green” ports
• Blue Economy: Sustainable energy and marine resource management

Wave flume at the CAMERI Institute during an experiment integrating unique breakwater elements. Photo by: Andrey Zavadsky, CAMERI Institute

Your Port to the Future

“We are building the infrastructure for the technologies that will manage the ports of 2030 and beyond,” Says Dor Davidyan, the Head of Innovation in IPC. By combining the logistical scale of IPC, the engineering precision of CAMERI, and the entrepreneurial spirit of SEANOVATION, start-ups gain a Full-Stack platform for maritime innovation.
For Israeli startups looking to lead the global maritime market, the message is clear: The tide is rising, and the platform for your success is ready.

For more Information:

Dor Davidyan
Head of Innovation and ESG
Israel Ports company (IPC)
dord@israports.co.il | 03-5657067