- Port Innovators Network (PIN) is an international network of port innovation hubs present on three continents, with members such as Opentop, homePORT, The PIER, Cubo Maritime & Port, SmartportLab, recently the 2050 National Maritime Innovation Hub and now the Blue Economy Incubator (BEI) at the Port of San Diego (USA).
- This blue economy incubator drives economic growth while protecting the health of the oceans.
Valencia, 10/2/2025. PIN expands its network of innovation hubs with the first U.S. blue economy port: Port of San Diego BEI.
Port Innovators Network (PIN) welcomes Blue Economy Incubator (BEI) of the Port of San Diego, California, as the first U.S. port to join this global network of port innovation hubs. This blue economy incubator will bring proven expertise and success in supporting projects and entrepreneurs, as well as projects on developing solutions in sustainable innovation.
In 2016, the Port of San Diego created this blue economy incubator to foster, develop and scale new businesses linked to the blue economy in San Diego Bay. Thanks to its strategic position, the Port acts as a catalyst for sustainable innovation in the maritime sector, removing barriers for entrepreneurs and providing funding, resources, assistance with paperwork and authorizations, as well as support in the implementation of pilot projects.
Since its launch, this incubator has launched ten innovative projects and reinvested in one of the participating companies, with the goal of driving economic growth while preserving the health of marine ecosystems. By joining PIN, this Port will be able to expand global innovation opportunities in areas such as coastal resilience, environmental stewardship, maritime decarbonization, nature-based solutions, ocean data, and mollusk and algae aquaculture.
Statements
Antonio Torregrosa, General Manager Fundación Valenciaport
“We welcome the Port of San Diego’s BEI Blue Economy Incubator to PIN. This expansion to the Pacific Rim region strengthens our global partnership and reinforces our commitment to maritime innovation and the blue economy.
By joining forces, we are accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of sustainable ports around the world.”
Danielle Moore, Chair of the Board of Commissioners of the Port of San Diego
“As a pioneering port, the Port of San Diego is proud to be the first in the United States and the Pacific region to be part of this Innovative Ports Network (PIN), a global community that is revolutionizing the blue economy through innovation hubs. The Port of San Diego’s accomplishments in this area are based on partnerships and collaborations, and we are excited to work with all PIN members, including its founders: Opentop of Valencia, HomePORT of Hamburg and our PIN introducer, the Port of Halifax.”
Jason Giffen, Vice President of Planning and Environment, Port of San Diego.
“The Port of San Diego’s inclusion to PIN, the Network of Innovative Ports stems from our interest in expanding opportunities within the blue economy, especially through our incubator and our network of global partners. We are excited to bring our knowledge and applied expertise to PIN, which includes ports from around the world with a common interest: developing innovative solutions for the maritime sector.”
Mike Davie, Vice President, Operations, Sustainability and Technology, Halifax Port A. Port of Halifax
“We share with this Blue Economy Incubator the goal of connecting emerging ideas, technologies and projects with a real port environment for testing and validation. The Port of San Diego’s commitment to projects that foster economic growth while protecting the oceans will contribute to PIN’s mission of sharing port knowledge and experience globally to improve the maritime sector and the global supply chain.”
About PIN
Port Innovators Network (PIN) is a global network of port innovation hubs that aims to drive the adoption of innovation in the global port system. It connects communities of innovation hubs such as startups, entrepreneurs, companies, researchers, universities and investors to share ideas, project results, innovation experiences, methodologies and best practices.
About Opentop
Opentop is Valenciaport’s Innovation Hub. This initiative, led by the Valenciaport Foundation with the support of the Port Authority of Valencia, has as its main objective to bring open innovation to companies and entities operating in the three ports managed by the APV (Valencia, Sagunto and Gandía), to enhance their competitiveness.
