Posted on July 5, 2016
‘Start-ups – often young entrepreneurs – have the energy and freedom to target innovations and new markets. In contrast to large established group companies, they have not a lot to lose at this stage,’ says Paul Smits, CFO of the Port Authority of Rotterdam. ‘We need their innovative power to remain the world’s most innovative port. We help these entrepreneurs to make a head start, supported by valuable partners such as Van Oord.’
Contribution to society
‘PortXL provides a huge amount of energy,’ says an enthusiastic Robert de Bruin, head of the Communication & Markets department at Van Oord. ‘It opens doors and establishes connections that otherwise might not have come about. Knowledge and innovations are shared across borders and sectors. We are also prepared to share our knowledge, because we believe in the process, in the energy that results and connecting people with different skills. As a partner, Van Oord offers a financial contribution and substantive support. A young engineer participates in the project team PortXL. We also provide mentors; experts when it comes to engineering and shipbuilding. As a socially involved company, this enables us to make a real contribution to the port of Rotterdam.’
Climate for commitment
Van Oord too experiences the benefits of this programme. ‘Our innovations are geared to optimising our projects,’ De Bruin explains. ‘Marketing innovations is a new and instructive process. By participating in PortXL we get to know new innovative businesses and technologies.’
‘A striking example was our meeting with young entrepreneurs who develop models for the chemical industry to identify energy efficiency. A subject our vessels deal with every day! The collaboration with existing partners, such as the Port of Rotterdam Authority, is given added value because new doors are opened. PortXL creates a climate for commitment in the interests of us all. The final result after a 100-day programme is a business plan that the selected start-ups will present to interested partners, potential clients and reliable financial backers. The world will be at their feet. Established enterprises and starting innovative businesses reinforce one another and the Port of Rotterdam also benefits from this synergy.’
Source: Vanoord
