Within the framework of the "Ports 4.0" Fund, an idea is understood as the set of actions necessary to develop an innovative product, service or process that is in an incipient stage of technological development, associated to a Technological Maturity Level (TRL) 1 or 2. The objective of these actions is to achieve a proof of concept applicable to one or more agents of the port-logistic community. The expected result is the completion of the proof of concept or the achievement of TRL 3.
The selected ideas will be granted a fixed and invariable amount of 15,000 euros, together with the possibility of accessing the incubation services established in the territorial headquarters of the incubator-accelerator associated with the Fund.
The definition of the Technological Maturity Level or TRL of an innovative product, service or process, whose objective is to determine its state or stage of development, is carried out in accordance with the standards established in the Research Framework Program (2014-2020) of the European Union (Horizon 2020) and the publications of the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.
Within the framework of the "Ports 4.0" Fund, a pre-commercial project is defined as the set of actions aimed at evolving an innovative product, service or process that already has a consolidated technological base, being at Technological Maturity Level (TRL) 3, 4, 5 or 6. The objective is to advance towards more mature stages, experimentally validating its operation in controlled environments and ensuring its viability for its subsequent implementation in the port-logistic community.
The expected result of these projects is to achieve a TRL 7 or higher, through pilot testing and technical, economic and operational validation of the product or service. This will ensure its practical applicability and impact on the port-logistics ecosystem.
The selected pre-commercial projects will be eligible for financing, covering up to 60% of the eligible expenses, depending on the characteristics of the project. In addition, they will have access to acceleration services offered by the territorial headquarters of the incubator-accelerator linked to the Fund.
The classification of technology maturity levels or TRLs and the criteria for assessing the state of development are based on the standards of the European Union's Research Framework Program (2014-2020) (Horizon 2020) and the guidelines of the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.
Within the framework of the "Ports 4.0" Fund, a commercial project refers to the development of an innovative product, service or process that already has an advanced level of technological development, being at Technological Maturity Level (TRL) 7 or higher. The main objective of these projects is to scale and commercialize the solution, ensuring its practical implementation in one or more agents of the port-logistic community.
These projects seek to consolidate the solution in real environments, ensuring its technical, operational and commercial viability, and promoting its adoption in the market. The goal is to achieve a TRL 8 or 9, which implies a fully developed product, tested and ready for deployment in logistic-port operations.
Selected business projects can benefit from funding covering up to 80% of eligible costs, depending on the characteristics and impact of the project. In addition, beneficiaries will have access to mentoring and acceleration services provided by the territorial headquarters of the incubator-accelerator associated with the Fund, facilitating market access and enhancing the impact of innovation.
The classification of technological maturity levels or TRLs and the criteria for assessing commercial readiness are based on the methodologies defined by the European Union's Research Framework Program (2014-2020) (Horizon 2020) and the guidelines of the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.
| Level | Description of maturity level | Nomenclature Plan deImpulso al Emprendimiento for Innovation in the Port Sector “Ports 4.0 |
|---|---|---|
| TRL1 level | Basic Idea | IDEA |
| TRL2 level | Concept or technology formulated | |
| TRL3 Level | Experimental proof of concept | PROJECT IN PRE-COMMERCIAL PHASE |
| TRL4 level | Component-level laboratory validation | |
| TRL5 level | Component-level validation in a relevant environment | |
| TRL6 level | Component-level demonstration in a relevant environment | |
| TRL7 level | Prototype demonstration in a real environment | PROJECT IN COMMERCIAL PHASE |
| TRL8 level | Full validation and certification in a real environment | |
| TRL9 level | Successful testing in real operational environment |
Steps to follow
1
Prepare your proposal
Define whether what you have in mind is an idea or a project and make sure it is innovative and applicable to the logistics-port sector.
Gather all the necessary documentation, including technical and administrative details, and clearly explain the impacts and objectives of your initiative.
2
Send your request
Register at www.ports40.es, complete the forms and upload your proposal before the deadline (2 months for ideas, 3 months for projects).
Make sure all documents are in order to maximize your chances.
3
Develop your project
If your proposal is selected, accept the support and take action.
You will have up to 6 months to work on an idea and up to 36 months to implement a project.
Be sure to properly justify the use of the funds and achieve the proposed objectives.
4
Video presentation
An explanatory video must be submitted within the first 10 working days through the platform www.ports40.es.
If you already have a profile, you should update it, and if you don’t have one, you should create one and include the video.
If you have any questions during the process, please do not hesitate to contact us at info.ports40@puertos.es. We are here to help you!
