Running from March to June 2026, “Smart Port 2035” is a strategic initiative developed in collaboration with
Politecnico di Milano (Business Design & Transformation Lab) and BIP to answer a key question: how can future port services improve the experience of all stakeholders through technology and new energy systems?
At the heart of the initiative is the commitment to
involving the next generation in driving innovation.
Around 40 students at Politecnico di Milano were asked to develop
solutions that can be implemented within the next 5–10 years, ensuring both feasibility and relevance for real-world applications.
Working across value chain and technology mapping, stakeholder analysis, ideation and solution design, participants translated future scenarios into practical service concepts.
Emphasis was placed on system-level transformation: students were encouraged to move beyond technology ideas and develop integrated service solutions aligned with the evolution of the entire port ecosystem, in line with the
EU Port Strategy.
Key themes included
new fuels and port infrastructure, alongside enabling technologies such as
IoT, artificial intelligence, digital twins and automation.
Key initiative milestones
The challenge was shaped by a series of key milestones, bringing together students and RINA experts in a continuous knowledge exchange:
- Kick-off meeting: launching the challenge in March 2026.
- Three on-site review sessions (sprint meetings) with the student teams throughout April and May.
- More than 15 interviews conducted with the support of RINA professionals.
- Final review sessions held in May.
The final presentation event took place on June 22, 2026, hosted at BIP premises in Milan.
Where innovation meets new talent
Innovation is a system effort. No single actor can transform complex ecosystems, such as ports are, alone: the future depends on collaboration, data sharing, integrated solutions.
By combining fresh perspectives with real industry challenges, "Smart Port 2035" created a space where new ideas emerged and can evolve into concrete propositions with tangible impact.
