Crowley will launch its first Innovation Expo on April 12 at the University of North Florida.
The expo is noon to 5:30 p.m. at the UNF Adam W. Herbert University Center at 12000 Alumni Drive.
Free tickets are available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crowley-innovation-expo-tickets-536209837057.
The expo will feature 20 startup ventures pitching their innovations for the advanced energy, sustainability, supply chain and technology sectors. In addition, firms already working in partnership with Crowley in supply chain and sustainability technology will present their products.
Some of the companies taking part include Loadsure, Newtrul, Zero Emission Industries and Carbon Ridge.
Crowley said additional startups will pitch solutions including fuel cell technology, artificial intelligence, lithium ion rechargeable battery solutions, custom solutions for fossil fuel replacements, specialty equipment and clean power needs.
The event will include a panel discussion with Crowley and UNF experts on opportunities for innovation, venture investments and technology advancement in the logistics industry.
The event is a partnership with UNF and the Plug and Play business accelerator, which partnered with Crowley to select the startups.
The JAX Chamber’s JAX Bridges program, which helps small- and medium-sized businesses, also will attend.
“This Expo is an excellent opportunity for Crowley, Plug and Play and UNF to showcase partnership opportunities and drive a culture of innovation in our industry,” Crowley’s Chief Strategy Office Deepak Arora said in a news release.
“Our goal is to create a signature event in Jacksonville, bringing corporate decision-makers, innovators together and sparking successful ventures that advance the industry and our communities.”
Plug and Play is a global platform for innovation that connects startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities and government agencies.
Jacksonville-based Crowley is a maritime logistics company with more than 170 vessels and about 7,000 employees.