Boston-Singapore Tech Synergy: Digitalizing, Decarbonizing and Automating the Future of Maritime PIER71 Roadshow - Boston, MA
Where the Lab Meets the Ocean: Boston’s Tech Revolution is Going Global.
Boston is the undisputed capital of robotics and autonomous systems. From the labs of Cambridge to the industrial hubs of the Seaport, this city is building the "brains and bodies" of the next industrial age. Join us for a deep dive into how Boston’s world-class robotics ecosystem is solving the maritime industry’s most pressing challenges—from decarbonisation to labour shortages and operational safety.
Why Attend? Discover why the next generation of maritime innovation isn't just happening on the water—it’s being engineered in Boston. Learn how the intersection of autonomous hardware and global port policy is creating a more efficient, sustainable, and automated maritime future. It’s a session that startups shouldn’t miss!
🚀 For Startups: Learn how to land pilot opportunities and global exposure through PIER71.
💰 For Investors: Scout the next wave of high-growth maritime tech (AI, Robotics, OceanTech, Sustainability and more).
🌐 For Industry Leaders: Network with the architects of the digital and green shipping revolution.
📅 When: May 7, 2026 (Thursday) | 12:00 noon – 2:30 PM
📍 Where: CIC Cambridge @ 1 Broadway
Spotlight: 'Where the Lab Meets the Ocean' Panel Discussion
This panel brings together the visionaries connecting the innovation pipeline to the world’s busiest shipping lanes:
The Catalyst: Alissa Peterson (SeaAhead) shares how New England's premier bluetech venture builder is identifying and funding the next wave of "tough tech" that thrives in the harsh marine environment.
The Ecosystem Architect: Marita McGinn (MassRobotics) discusses the scaling of autonomous systems and how Boston’s unique collaborative infrastructure helps startups move from prototype to port-ready deployment.
The Innovator: Sidney McLaurin (Fleet Robotics) provides a founder’s perspective on deploying autonomous hardware to revolutionize ship maintenance, demonstrating how Boston-built robots are protecting our oceans from biofouling.
The Global Gateway: Desmond Tay (Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, MPA) offers the critical "Port of the Future" perspective, detailing how Singapore—the leading maritime city of the world—serves as the ultimate testing ground and marketplace for Boston’s high-tech innovations.
The Lineup
12.00: Registration & Networking
12.15: Welcome Remarks | Alissa Petersen, CEO, SeaAhead
12.20: The Singapore Edge | Desmond Tay, Regional Director (Americas), MPA
12.25: SeaAhead Pilot program introduction | Julia Pangan, Director of Programs, SeaAhead
12.30: PIER71 Smart Port Challenge Insider Briefing | Marianne Choo, Senior Manager, NUS Enterprise-PIER71, National University of Singapore
12.35: Startup showcase: Fleet Robotics’ Smart Port Challenge Journey to Singapore | Sidney McLaurin, Founder & CEO, Fleet Robotics
12.40: Panel Discussion: 'Where the Lab Meets the Ocean'
Marita McGinn, Director of Growth, MassRobotics
Alissa Peterson, Co-Founder & CEO, SeaAhead
Sidney McLaurin, Founder & CEO, Fleet Robotics
Desmond Tay, Regional Director (Americas), MPA
Moderated by: Marianne Choo, NUS Enterprise – PIER71
1.10: Networking Lunch Session
2.30: End
The Opportunity: PIER71 Smart Port Challenge 2026
The Smart Port Challenge (SPC) is PIER71’s flagship program, connecting startups directly with real-world problem statements from Singapore’s leading maritime players.
Applications are Open: 22 April to 15 June 2026.
Challenge Statements and Application form can be found <here>
This Roadshow: Your chance to get insider tips and your questions answered in person before you apply.
If you’re building for oceans, ports, or shipping and want to scale globally, this is the session you don’t want to miss - the future of maritime innovation starts here.
About PIER71
PIER71 is the first maritime ecosystem innovation builder in the Southeast Asia region, established in 2018 jointly by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and the National University of Singapore (NUS). We bring together a vibrant ecosystem of innovative start-up technologies, thought leaders, maritime veterans and experts, entrepreneurial know-how and investment opportunities.
Our flagship programme, the Smart Port Challenge, has accelerated the growth of close to 170 start-ups from around the world, helping them deploy their technology into Maritime Singapore.
About SeaAhead
SeaAhead is a Boston-based bluetech venture builder and innovation platform that supports startups at the intersection of sustainability and the ocean. It unites investors, innovators, and industry experts to accelerate technologies in areas like aquaculture, greener shipping, renewable energy, and coastal resilience. SeaAhead focuses on transforming ocean-related challenges into business opportunities, helping to bridge the gap between technological innovation and commercial deployment.
About MassRobotics
MassRobotics is the world’s largest independent, non-profit robotics hub, based in Boston's Seaport District. It supports the robotics ecosystem by providing startups with workspace, specialized prototyping equipment, and mentorship to accelerate technology commercialization. MassRobotics connects innovators with investors, corporate partners, and hosts educational initiatives.