This fosters innovation within the maritime sector, an important step in boosting economic growth and strengthening international competitiveness. One of the success stories of this program is the collaboration between the startup Roboat and the nautical service provider Blue Amigo. Ynse Deinema, CEO of Roboat, shares his experience. Roboat began in 2015 as a research project and evolved into a full-fledged startup in 2023, employing a team of 12. “We develop technology to automate navigation in commercial inland shipping, such as ferries and cargo vessels,” Deinema explains.
Our technology allows vessels to operate more safely, efficiently, and comfortably, contributing significantly to the transition from road to water-based transport.”
– Ynse Deinema, CEO of Roboat
Deinema sees major opportunities ahead. “In the long term, we want to lower the barriers to automated sailing and make inland waterway transport safer, more cost-effective, and more efficient. Current laws and regulations don’t yet permit fully unmanned sailing, but we’re now focusing on the aspects of our technology that can already be implemented.”
The match with Blue Amigo
Thanks to the Maritime Challenge, Roboat connected with Blue Amigo, a nautical service provider based in Zwijndrecht with over a thousand employees in the Netherlands. “We had been eyeing a collaboration with Blue Amigo for a while, but we never managed to get to the right decision-making level,” says Deinema. Blue Amigo recognized the potential of Roboat’s technology, and the two parties decided to launch a pilot project. “We’re gaining valuable insights from a large nautical service provider, while they’re experiencing firsthand how quickly a startup can adapt and innovate,” Deinema adds.
Networks that open doors
According to Deinema, programs like the Maritime Challenge offer significant advantages for both startups and established companies. “The program forces you to look at your own company and strategy with a fresh, external perspective,” he explains. “It also gives you access to networks and contacts that would otherwise be difficult to reach.”
This access has already produced tangible results: “We’ve visited Blue Amigo three times so far. They, for example, took us to their nautical traffic control center, where we learned a lot. The support from YES!Delft, offering valuable external insights into our operations, is also highly appreciated.” Deinema encourages both startups and established companies to stay open to such collaborations.
It may take time to bear fruit, but the value lies in the introduction and exploring opportunities together.” – Ynse Deinema, CEO of Roboat
Roboat’s future
Roboat is now entering a crucial phase. “We want to grow from a startup into a mature company,” says Deinema. “Our technology is working well, but now we need to clearly define which market segment we are solving a problem for.” He emphasizes that implementing automated navigation involves more than just tech innovation. “Regulations and the willingness of companies to embrace new technologies also play a big role in the process.” Despite the challenges, Deinema remains optimistic: “The Netherlands is a perfect country for inland shipping, and we’re doing extraordinary things here. At Roboat, we want to prove that smart, supported sailing is not only achievable but also safer and more efficient.”
Collaboration between Smart Delta Drechtsteden and YES!Delft
The collaboration between Smart Delta Drechtsteden and YES!Delft began in 2024. With this initiative, Smart Delta Drechtsteden aims to build a broader ecosystem that connects innovative startups from the YES!Delft network with maritime companies in the region. YES!Delft supports this process through various events and programs that promote collaboration and knowledge sharing. This approach contributes to accelerating innovation, job growth, and strengthening the international competitive position.
Read the article in Dutch: Hoe de Maritieme Challenge van YES!Delft startups en bedrijven samenbrengt, het verhaal van Roboat en Blue Amigo – Smart Delta Drechtsteden
