Leading maritime technology venture platform brings together over 300 global shipping leaders, investors, and pioneering founders in Hong Kong to advance enterprise solutions for decarbonisation, workforce transition, and digital innovation

In celebration of maritime innovation, this year’s main event also hosts the official HKMW 10-Year Anniversary Networking Cocktail Celebration, gathering over 300 key decision-makers across ship management, logistics, port operations, and technology.

Four Strategic Innovation Categories Driving Enterprise Value

The Captain’s Table remains anchored in the principle that successful enterprise innovation must directly support tangible business objectives rather than pursuing technology for its own sake. Continuing its mission to solve real customer problems, eliminate operational friction, and drive bottom-line competitive advantage, the 2026 competition spotlighted four critical pillars:

·         Environment: Groundbreaking solutions dramatically abating carbon, methane, and greenhouse gas emissions from low-carbon linear power generators, hydrogen-injection efficiency, and small modular reactor (SMR) designs to biocide-free drag reduction coatings and methane slip catalysis.

·         Social Impact: Ensuring no maritime worker is left behind as shipping modernises, prioritising advanced simulation, human-in-the-loop voyage decision support, and next-generation safety and re-skilling programs for seafarers and port professionals.

·         Governance and Risk Management: Smart platforms and autonomous AI systems that streamline regulatory compliance, audit workflows, operational safety, and transparent decision-making.

·         Digitized Supply Chain: End-to-end solutions transforming vessel-to-shore connectivity, automated inventory management, route optimization, and digital documentation to lower acquisition costs and eliminate manual inefficiencies.

2026 Finalists Take the Stage

Following a rigorous global scouting and selection process spanning port, ship, shore, and integrated logistics technologies, six standout finalists will pitch live before a distinguished panel of industry judges:

·         H2CHP – Compact, multi-fuel linear generator units delivering distributed, zero-carbon marine power.

·         Newlight Blue – Hydrogen-injection systems that cut diesel fuel consumption by up to 30% without requiring complete engine overhauls.

·         Seatom – Marine propulsion and auxiliary electrical power architectures engineered around small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear technology.

·         Clean Ocean Coatings – Advanced biocide-free, polymer-ceramic surface coatings designed to reduce hull drag and optimize fleet hydrodynamics.

·         Methanox – Novel catalytic converter units eliminating methane slip for LNG-fuelled and dual-fuel vessels.

·         Sephra AI – Autonomous AI agents streamlining risk analysis, human-in-the-loop voyage coordination, and maritime operational compliance.

Unmatched Industry Exposure, Direct Investment & Ecosystem Support

Participants gain direct access to The Captain’s Table’s extensive network of sponsors, classification societies, and maritime leaders. In addition to a US$30,000 cash grant awarded to the winner, finalists will compete for up to US$100,000 in follow-on investment pledges, comprehensive legal guidance from global law firm HFW, dedicated technical mentoring from Lloyd’s Register, and pilot test opportunities across Asia's commercial shipping fleets.

All 2026 finalists also gain lifetime entry into the platform’s Kai Community, an elite alumni network established in 2019 that actively connects past winners and finalists to ongoing strategic partnerships, commercial trials, and international expansion pathways.

Event Details & Registration

Date: Thursday, 19 November 2026

Venue: Main Events Hall, Cyberport 5, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong (with Global Hybrid Live Stream on Splash247/YouTube, WMMF and FrontM)

Program Schedule:

·         3:30 PM – 4:00 PM HKT: Registration & Welcome Coffee

·         4:00 PM – 7:00 PM HKT: Live Pitch Competition & Judges' Deliberation

·         7:00 PM – 10:00 PM HKT: Winner Ceremony & HKMW 10th Anniversary Cocktail Party

Attendance: In-person attendance is reserved for shipowners, charterers, investors, and maritime delegates (300+ guests expected). Virtual livestream access is open worldwide at www.captainstable.hk.

About The Captain’s Table

Founded in Hong Kong with global reach, The Captain’s Table is the leading maritime technology venture platform dedicated to accelerating commercial innovation in shipping and supply chain logistics. Through its annual pitch competitions, investor demo days, and the Kai Community alumni network, the platform serves as the definitive bridge between emerging tech founders and established maritime industry decision-makers.

Media & Partnership Contact:
Media Team: enquiries@captainstable.hk/ Tabitha@captainstable.hk
Website: www.captainstable.hk