Four Startups Awarded $100,000 Each To Improve PortMiami Cargo Operations

Four tech-driven startups have each been awarded $100,000 by the Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA) to enhance cargo operations at PortMiami.

The recipients—Argu Eye Ltd., Conbo.ai, GenLogs, and GridMatrix—were selected as winners of MDIA’s third Public Innovation Challenge.

These companies will deploy cutting-edge solutions involving artificial intelligence, computer vision, and data analytics to improve cargo tracking, terminal efficiency, and traffic flow at the port. The initiative underscores a public-private partnership aimed at modernizing critical infrastructure while improving safety, operational performance, and environmental sustainability.

“This real-time cargo tracking pilot at PortMiami is a strategic leap toward our goal of becoming the leading trade hub of the Americas,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Each startup will play a distinct role:

• GenLogs will analyze statewide and national cargo movement data.
• Conbo.ai will create visualizations of truck traffic at the port, partnering with the Port of Miami Terminal Operating Co. on a joint pilot.
• GridMatrix will track truck movement to help reduce congestion.
• Argu Eye will monitor container movement and evaluate cargo handling safety.

“These pilot programs are the foundation for creating a smarter, safer, and more resilient trade environment in Miami-Dade and beyond,” said MDIA President and CEO Leigh-Ann Buchanan.

PortMiami is among the largest seaports in the United States and a vital economic driver for the region. According to Miami-Dade’s 2023 Biscayne Bay Economic Study, the port’s cruise and cargo operations generated nearly $50 million in economic output and supported 334,000 jobs in 2022. MDIA will oversee the pilot programs and release a report detailing their outcomes.

Founded in 2023 with $9 million in seed funding from Miami-Dade County, the Knight Foundation, and Citadel CEO Ken Griffin, MDIA runs three innovation challenges annually. Other ongoing challenges focus on sustainable uses for sargassum (a beach-clogging seaweed), enhancing the passenger experience at Miami International Airport, and improving traffic management.

Source: SFBJ