Montreal AI startup Canscan has earned a ticket to the state of Washington’s upcoming Maritime Accelerator program.

Canscan’s AI technology automatically inspects shipping containers passing through a terminal using existing cameras and infrastructure. It can optimize container handling processes and speed-up a company’s workflow.

The company’s IoT solution actually allows checkers to work remotely, in real time, to identify container anomalies.

The Maritime Accelerator program will be completely virtual this year, its second year in operation. More than 100 startups applied, and 11 participants were ultimately picked.

“By widening the aperture and showing them what’s here, we allow our accelerator to be showcased across the globe,” said program director Josh Carter

The four-month intensive program will conclude with a virtual demo day in May. Maritime Blue takes no equity from the companies.

“This cohort demonstrates that maritime innovation is vast — it ranges from pollution remediation, carbon offset, efficient supply chains and manufacturing,” said Elizabeth Scallon, a former WeWork Labs leader and advisory committee member for Washington Maritime Blue.

The Port of Seattle will provide a new physical space for the accelerator, and other ventures, with its new Maritime Innovation Center at Fishermen’s Terminal, one of the Port’s properties near Seattle’s Ballard neighbourhood. Construction on the project is expected to start this year.

Canscan’s clients can be either container depots or terminal operators. Canscan’s technology speeds up turn time by limiting worker inspections to exception cases. It can also limit liability by identifying dangerous circumstances as early as possible, avoiding health and safety issues.

Meanwhile, the depots or terminals receive instant notification when a non-compliant container is identified. This enables employees to work remotely in a safe environment. And they say the terminal can anticipate the maintenance and repair schedule and costs of their container fleet.

Not the first time Canscan has earned accolaides

Canscan previously won the Women in Tech prize at Startupfest in 2019 here in Montreal. And in February 2020, Canscan won $65,000 USD from the Milestone Community Kickstarter Contest in Dallas, Texas.