Innovation thrives when ideas, talent and experience move beyond geographical boundaries. This was the spirit behind the recent visit of PIER71, Singapore’s leading maritime innovation ecosystem, to Valenciaport, where representatives from both communities gathered to explore new opportunities for collaboration and technological development within the maritime sector.
Organized by Opentop, the open innovation hub of Valenciaport, the event brought together institutional representatives, startups and industry leaders from Europe and Asia in a hybrid session that combined presentations, startup pitches and networking opportunities. More than fifty participants joined the event, reflecting the growing international relevance of both ecosystems and their shared commitment to accelerating maritime innovation.
PIER71, an initiative co-founded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and NUS Enterprise, has become one of the world’s most influential maritime innovation platforms, supporting a global network of startups and fostering collaboration between entrepreneurs, corporations and research institutions. During the event, representatives from PIER71 and MPA presented their innovation programs, including the Smart Port Challenge 2026, highlighting multiple points of convergence with the innovation model developed in Valencia.
Among the companies invited to present their work was Caponnetto Hueber, alongside a selected group of international startups contributing innovative solutions to the maritime industry. The event provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, share our vision on efficient maritime design and CFD-driven innovation, and engage with organizations actively shaping the future of shipping, naval architecture and maritime sustainability.
At Caponnetto Hueber, we strongly believe that the future of maritime innovation will be built through collaboration. The challenges facing the industry—from decarbonization and efficiency to digitalization and autonomous operations—require not only technological advances but also stronger connections between innovation ecosystems around the world.
Events such as this demonstrate how knowledge exchange, entrepreneurship and international cooperation can accelerate the transition towards a more efficient and sustainable maritime sector. By connecting different perspectives and areas of expertise, innovation becomes scalable, practical and capable of generating real impact across the industry.
We would like to thank Opentop, Fundación Valenciaport and the PIER71 team for creating a space where meaningful dialogue, innovation and collaboration can thrive. We look forward to continuing these conversations and contributing to a more connected global maritime ecosystem.
Innovation thrives when ideas, talent and experience move beyond geographical boundaries. This was the spirit behind the recent visit of PIER71, Singapore’s leading maritime innovation ecosystem, to Valenciaport, where representatives from both communities gathered to explore new opportunities for collaboration and technological development within the maritime sector.
Organized by Opentop, the open innovation hub of Valenciaport, the event brought together institutional representatives, startups and industry leaders from Europe and Asia in a hybrid session that combined presentations, startup pitches and networking opportunities. More than fifty participants joined the event, reflecting the growing international relevance of both ecosystems and their shared commitment to accelerating maritime innovation.
PIER71, an initiative co-founded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and NUS Enterprise, has become one of the world’s most influential maritime innovation platforms, supporting a global network of startups and fostering collaboration between entrepreneurs, corporations and research institutions. During the event, representatives from PIER71 and MPA presented their innovation programs, including the Smart Port Challenge 2026, highlighting multiple points of convergence with the innovation model developed in Valencia.
Among the companies invited to present their work was Caponnetto Hueber, alongside a selected group of international startups contributing innovative solutions to the maritime industry. The event provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, share our vision on efficient maritime design and CFD-driven innovation, and engage with organizations actively shaping the future of shipping, naval architecture and maritime sustainability.
At Caponnetto Hueber, we strongly believe that the future of maritime innovation will be built through collaboration. The challenges facing the industry—from decarbonization and efficiency to digitalization and autonomous operations—require not only technological advances but also stronger connections between innovation ecosystems around the world.
Events such as this demonstrate how knowledge exchange, entrepreneurship and international cooperation can accelerate the transition towards a more efficient and sustainable maritime sector. By connecting different perspectives and areas of expertise, innovation becomes scalable, practical and capable of generating real impact across the industry.
We would like to thank Opentop, Fundación Valenciaport and the PIER71 team for creating a space where meaningful dialogue, innovation and collaboration can thrive. We look forward to continuing these conversations and contributing to a more connected global maritime ecosystem.
Innovation thrives when ideas, talent and experience move beyond geographical boundaries. This was the spirit behind the recent visit of PIER71, Singapore’s leading maritime innovation ecosystem, to Valenciaport, where representatives from both communities gathered to explore new opportunities for collaboration and technological development within the maritime sector.
Organized by Opentop, the open innovation hub of Valenciaport, the event brought together institutional representatives, startups and industry leaders from Europe and Asia in a hybrid session that combined presentations, startup pitches and networking opportunities. More than fifty participants joined the event, reflecting the growing international relevance of both ecosystems and their shared commitment to accelerating maritime innovation.
PIER71, an initiative co-founded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and NUS Enterprise, has become one of the world’s most influential maritime innovation platforms, supporting a global network of startups and fostering collaboration between entrepreneurs, corporations and research institutions. During the event, representatives from PIER71 and MPA presented their innovation programs, including the Smart Port Challenge 2026, highlighting multiple points of convergence with the innovation model developed in Valencia.
Among the companies invited to present their work was Caponnetto Hueber, alongside a selected group of international startups contributing innovative solutions to the maritime industry. The event provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, share our vision on efficient maritime design and CFD-driven innovation, and engage with organizations actively shaping the future of shipping, naval architecture and maritime sustainability.
At Caponnetto Hueber, we strongly believe that the future of maritime innovation will be built through collaboration. The challenges facing the industry—from decarbonization and efficiency to digitalization and autonomous operations—require not only technological advances but also stronger connections between innovation ecosystems around the world.
Events such as this demonstrate how knowledge exchange, entrepreneurship and international cooperation can accelerate the transition towards a more efficient and sustainable maritime sector. By connecting different perspectives and areas of expertise, innovation becomes scalable, practical and capable of generating real impact across the industry.
We would like to thank Opentop, Fundación Valenciaport and the PIER71 team for creating a space where meaningful dialogue, innovation and collaboration can thrive. We look forward to continuing these conversations and contributing to a more connected global maritime ecosystem.
During the 33rd America’s Cup cycle, Mario Caponnetto contributed to hydrodynamic assessment workstreams aligned with the BMW Oracle wing-sail platform, the configuration that ultimately won the Match. This milestone marked the shift toward aero-hydrodynamic integration in Cup design culture.
BMW Oracle Racing
America’s Cup / Aero-Hydro Integration / Performance Engineering
In 2021, Caponnetto Hueber led the CFD, foil design, and hydrodynamic engineering for the AC75 of Luna Rossa Challenge, the eventual Prada Cup winner. We deployed multiscale CFD and aero-hydro coupling to ensure optimum lift and control. Rapid iteration delivered performance gains under tight competition timelines.
Luna Rossa Challenge
Racing Concept / CFD / Foil Design