A launch pad for aspiring start-ups, What's Next presents a unique opportunity for budding start-ups to showcase their revolutionary innovations and solutions on a global stage. Held concurrently with IMDEX Asia in 2023, the programme spotlights selected problem statements from the maritime and defence industry, calling for innovative solutions that include unmanned systems and artificial intelligence.

Start-ups can meet and showcase their business ideas and offerings to industry players, defence officials, government agencies, investors and accelerators at the show.

Refer to the techStage lineup for the What's Next pitching schedule.

WHOM YOU CAN EXPECT TO MEET

TOP GLOBAL DEFENCE COMPANIES

Lockheed Martin
Thales
Leonardo
Naval Group
Raytheon
ST Engineering
Israel Aerospace Industries

DEFENCE

Tri-services Chiefs
Defence Ministry Officials
Defence Systems Integrators

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES & REGULATORS

Defence Science and Technology Agency
Transport Ministry Officials
Inspectors and Auditors

INDUSTRY PROBLEM STATEMENTS

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Solutions that use artificial intelligence to improve trainer to trainee ratio in classroom and practical learning settings

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND OVERHAUL (MRO)

Solutions that utilise minimal resources carry out survey and inspection checks of ship hulls
Solutions that perform conditional monitoring and predictive maintenance on electronics

SHIP OPERATIONS

Solutions that require minimal deployment resources to detect and neutralise underwater threats to anchored ships

SUSTAINABILITY

Solutions that accelerate the global sustainability agenda:

Sustainable fuels for maritime vessels
Hydrogen fuel cell for maritime and port applications
Weather technologies
Wave energy applications
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) for the maritime industry

OTHERS

Any other innovative and emerging technologies for maritime and defence industry

ELIGIBILITY

Interested start-ups must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

Early to growth stage
First time exhibitor at the event
With a novel and innovative solution to showcase
Not representing any third-party products or technology
Not a subsidiary of an established company

Note: The organiser reserves the right to accept and reject applications at its sole discretion

INTERESTED IN SHOWCASING YOUR INNOVATION?

Leverage on this platform and showcase your business solutions to industry's finest. Connect with our sales team to explore your participation options.

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What's Next

WHAT'S NEXT