Startport

Startport serves as the dedicated innovation hub of Duisburger Hafen AG (duisport), strategically positioned in Duisburg's Inner Harbor to nurture logistics-focused startups. Operating within Europe's largest inland port, this platform leverages North Rhine-Westphalia's status as a premier logistics center to drive innovation in transportation and supply chain solutions. The initiative embodies the fundamental concept of logistics—facilitating movement—while providing entrepreneurs with essential resources to transform promising concepts into viable business ventures.

At the core of Startport's value proposition is its comprehensive one-year accelerator program designed to propel logistics startups toward sustainable growth. Participants gain access to comfortable workspace featuring creative interior design that fosters an inspiring atmosphere conducive to innovation. The accelerator environment combines functional office amenities with the collaborative energy necessary for developing disruptive logistics solutions, all supported by high-speed internet connectivity and modern facilities that accommodate the technical needs of emerging technology companies.

What truly distinguishes Startport is its extensive network of industry connections, providing founders with direct pathways to potential customers, project partners, and investors across the logistics and industrial sectors. The platform assembles a powerful ecosystem of experienced mentors, coaches, and corporate representatives who offer specialized guidance through workshops, business evaluation sessions, and collaborative sub-projects. This network-centric approach enables startups to validate their solutions with real-world logistics operators while refining their business models through expert feedback.

Beyond theoretical support, Startport delivers the exceptional advantage of access to logistics assets and infrastructure—a critical differentiator for startups requiring real-world testing environments. The program functions as an optimal nucleus for growth by combining physical resources with knowledge transfer, creating conditions where logistics innovations can be rapidly prototyped and validated. Through this comprehensive support system, Startport has established itself as a vital catalyst for logistics entrepreneurship, bridging the gap between innovative concepts and market-ready solutions that address the evolving challenges of global supply chains.