On 7 November 2025, The Captain’s Table, a global platform connecting maritime start-ups with investors, accelerators, and industry leaders, will host its first-ever Middle East edition in Dubai at the Maritime Tech Demo Day..
Founded in Hong Kong, The Captain’s Table has grown into one of the industry’s leading launchpads for maritime innovation, offering start-ups the chance to pitch their ideas before some of the most influential names in shipping, logistics, and investment..
This year, Shipping and Freight Resource (SFR) joins as an official Media Partner, amplifying the event’s visibility and strengthening its global reach across the shipping, freight, logistics, and trade ecosystem..
Why Dubai and why now..??
Dubai’s maritime industry has long been a pillar of trade between East and West.. Now, as the region doubles down on innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability, it provides fertile ground for start-ups tackling real-world shipping, logistics, and supply chain challenges..
The Captain’s Table’s expansion into the Middle East marks a defining step, bridging Asia’s tech-driven ecosystems with the Gulf’s investment power and maritime heritage..
After a successful London Demo Day during London International Shipping Week (LISW) in September 2025, and before the flagship Hong Kong finals on 20th November during Hong Kong Maritime Week (HKMW), all eyes now turn to Dubai..
Meet the finalists
Five exceptional maritime and supply chain start-ups will pitch live to a distinguished audience of investors, industry leaders, and judges:
Each finalist represents a fresh approach to solving today’s biggest maritime challenges, from AI-powered analytics and blockchain logistics to sustainability and fleet optimisation..
Panel discussion: Innovation trends in the maritime industry
A highlight of the event will be the thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Innovation Trends in the Maritime Industry” organised jointly with The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Middle East, featuring leading industry voices:
- Thomas Stjernholm – Managing Director, Commercial, Tomini Group
- Ravi Shankar, FICS – Vice Chairman, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Middle East
- Janani Yagnamurthy – VP, Analytics PortLog & ClaimsHub, The Marcura Group
- Vikas Pandey – Founder & CEO, Shipfinex
Together, they will explore the transformative power of AI, fintech, and data-driven solutions across the maritime spectrum..
Judges’ Choice Award and investment pledge
The competition will culminate with a Judges’ Choice Award, selected by a distinguished jury:
- R.K. Sethi – COO, YC Ventures
- Rania Tadros – Managing Partner, Stephenson Harwood (Dubai Office)
- Mr. Venkatraman Sheshashayee (Shesh) – Executive Chairman, Shipworkz
Adding an extra layer of excitement, YC Ventures has pledged to invest in one of the finalists, underscoring their confidence in the innovation emerging from this ecosystem..
Why you should attend or participate
This is your chance to:
- Engage with promising technologies
- Collaborate with agile innovators solving real-world maritime problems..
- Be part of the growing wave of digitalisation driving the future of shipping and logistics..
- Connect with strategic partners shaping the digital transformation of shipping, ports, and trade..
- Connect with the Co-Founder of The Captain’s Table – Su Yin Anand and Vedika Gupta – Strategy & Growth Director at the Captain’s Table..
Event details
A global movement of maritime innovation
The Captain’s Table is more than just a competition; it is a global movement uniting entrepreneurs, investors, and shipping professionals who share a vision of a more efficient, sustainable, and digital maritime future..
From London to Dubai to Hong Kong, this year’s journey captures the pulse of maritime transformation..
For innovators eager to make an impact, this is your signal.. The tide has turned, and your chance to ride the wave begins now..
Visit www.captainstable.hk/competitions/dubai to explore participation in this unique event and partnership opportunities..
