SMM 2026 to showcase maritime start-ups developing AI, robotics and autonomous technologies

Start-ups@SMM will feature 19 young companies presenting new technologies, including several world premieres, from 1 to 4 September in Hamburg

SMM 2026 will feature 19 maritime start-ups working on technologies ranging from artificial intelligence and robotics to autonomous systems, digital analytics, energy efficiency and sustainable maritime operations.

The Start-ups@SMM programme will run during the maritime trade fair from 1 to 4 September in Hamburg, providing participating companies with an opportunity to present their technologies to shipowners, investors, technology providers and other industry stakeholders.

“Many of the technologies that will shape the maritime industry in the years ahead are being developed by young companies today. With Start-ups@SMM, we make this innovative strength visible and provide entrepreneurs and developers with an international platform. The innovations on display demonstrate how new ideas become market-ready solutions – including several world premieres,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress.

Start-ups to present new maritime technologies

The participating companies come from Germany, other European countries, Canada and Asia. Their technologies address several areas of maritime operations, including shipbuilding automation, vessel design, fleet analytics, artificial intelligence, robotics and decarbonisation.

Agen Robotics from Türkiye will present Micro Panel Line, a robotic system designed to automate the assembly and welding of steel structures used in shipbuilding. The system uses digital design data to support automated manufacturing processes.

German start-up FrekiLabs will unveil accel::lbm, a simulation software platform designed to accelerate digital ship design. The technology calculates flow behaviour and hull resistance with the aim of reducing the time required for hydrodynamic simulations.

South Korean company MarinaChain will introduce MarinaValue, an AI-based platform combining market, vessel and operational data. The platform is designed to assist shipowners and investors with fleet valuation and investment-related decisions.

Bencros from Slovakia will present marine fenders manufactured using carbon-negative recycled rubber. The company says its production process allows certified carbon inset credits to be issued with each fender supplied.

Other start-ups participating in the programme are developing autonomous vessel technologies, AI-supported bridge assistance systems, water treatment solutions, fleet analytics and emission-free propulsion technologies.

Start-up technologies across SMM exhibition halls

Start-ups@SMM companies will be located in joint exhibition areas in Halls A3 and B6. A dedicated Start-up Route will connect visitors with participating companies across the two halls.

Start-up activity will also extend to the Naval Hall, Hall B8, which focuses on maritime security and defence.

German company Salvor Marine Intelligence will present ASSIST, a modular drone system designed for search and rescue operations at sea. The system combines autonomous flight capabilities, AI-supported mission planning and rescue payload deployment.

Norwegian start-up Zeabuz will also participate in the Naval Hall, presenting autonomous maritime technologies.

Maritime Start-up Day & Night

A central event in the Start-ups@SMM programme will be Maritime Start-up Day & Night on 2 September. The event is being organised in cooperation with Maritime Startups Germany e.V.

Participating companies will pitch their technologies and business concepts to an expert jury and the SMM audience. The winning company will receive the “Best Maritime Start-up 2026” award during the SMM Maritime Start-up Night.

The evening networking event will take place at Karoline next to the SMM exhibition grounds and will bring together start-ups, maritime companies, investors and media representatives.