The PIER: Centre for Port Innovation, Engagement & Research
The PIER is Canada’s first living lab dedicated to transportation, supply chain and logistics industries. The PIER is where key supply chain partners at the Port of Halifax can choose to collaborate to solve complex problems – they are focused on co-creating, testing and accelerating solutions including sustainable supply chains, that benefit Canada’s economy, the environment, and local community.
The PIER has approximately 50 member companies and a growing ecosystem comprised of tech companies, local and global supply chain partners, researchers, SMEs, and startups. Many of the members are residents in the physical innovation hub located in the Halifax waterfront area, while others are distributed across North America and beyond.
The PIER at the Port of Halifax is proud to count itself as a founding member of the Port Innovators Network, a global alliance of innovation hubs serving ports alongside The Port of Hamburg (homePORT) and the Port of Valencia (Opentop). This network was formed to drive the adoption of innovation in the global port system by connecting communities of innovation centers, including start-ups, entrepreneurs, companies, researchers, universities, and investors, to share innovative ideas, project results, innovation experiences, methodologies and best practices.