Innovation Dock 2025 is where Rotterdam drives emerging technology into real world impact.
Taking place during the World Port Days – 5, 6 and 7 September 2025, this new 1000 m² B2B and B2G expo space brings together advanced tech, talent, and cross-sector collaboration to showcase real-world innovations shaping ports, logistics, and urban maritime ecosystems.
Together with DroneHorizon | 4–5 — a platform for strategic dialogue and international matchmaking around autonomous and unmanned systems in critical domains— Innovation Dock completes a powerful innovation journey where visitors can experience insights being shaped into implementation. These events bridge high-level strategy and practical action, advancing digital and strategic autonomy, resilience, and competitiveness of the port sector.
With over 400,000 people visit the World Port Days, this dedicated innovation zone brings together governments, companies, and innovators to work on the systems that will define tomorrow's ports and industrial regions.
From autonomous systems to dual-use applications, the Innovation Dock – organised by DronePort Rotterdam, Platform Zero, Port of Rotterdam, and World Port Days – blends tech showcases, executive dialogues, and delegation tracks. This is where ideas meet action.
As Europe’s leading energy gateway, the port region is developing a national hydrogen backbone, launching large-scale electrolysis projects, and building import terminals to secure global hydrogen flows.
Simultaneously, flagship CCS initiatives are enabling industrial emitters to meet decarbonization targets through scalable offshore CO₂ storage.
We are witnessing a transformative shift, driving the integration of maritime innovation into the broader urban and industrial fabric of port cities.
The focus is on connecting next generation mobility — such as autonomous vessels, foiling technologies, and electric water transport — with sustainable port-city infrastructure and long-term spatial development. This convergence supports cleaner, smarter, and more connected waterfronts.
Shaping the future of smart port operations by accelerating the deployment of autonomous and connected technologies in complex industrial ecosystems.
From drones and robotics to uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), AI, and edge computing, we provide a real-world view for startups, corporates, and government partners to co-develop and scale breakthrough solutions.
This theme emphasises in advancing the next generation of security and dual-use technologies that strengthen both civil resilience and strategic defence capabilities.
In collaboration with industry and government partners, discover the deployment of integrated systems for crisis management, surveillance, counter-drone (UAS) defence, and secure communications — within the dynamic and high-stakes environment of the Port of Rotterdam.
See autonomous systems, drones, USVs, digital twins, hydrogen platforms, surveillance tech, and foiling vessels in action, tested in the real urban-port environment of Rotterdam.
Join strategic sessions with ministries, EU actors, port authorities, industry leads, and defence stakeholders, focused on investment, regulation, and programme development.
Follow curated routes for European regions, institutional visitors, or thematic coalitions — including tailored B2B matchmaking, tech exploration, and workforce activation.
Europe’s largest port isn’t just moving goods, it’s driving innovation. With strong public-private collaboration and alignment with EU strategic goals, Rotterdam is the ideal setting to test and scale what’s next.
The Innovation Dock is designed for professionals who are shaping transitions and deploying innovation at scale. Whether your focus is policy, procurement, pilots or partnerships, you’ll find your peers here: from startups & scaleups to port authorities, public agencies, EU delegations, and education & skills partners.
DronePort Rotterdam
Maaskade 127A
3071NK ROTTERDAM
The Netherlands