CMA CGM Group launches the third edition of the CMA CGM Startup Awards at VivaTech

The CMA CGM Group, a global player in shipping, land, air and logistics solutions, announced at VivaTech the launch of the third edition of the CMA CGM Startup Awards, an international competition aimed at identifying the most innovative startups capable of addressing the Group’s major challenges. This edition also marks the participation of the CMA CGM Foundation in the CMA CGM Startup Awards, with two challenges dedicated to social innovation. Organized in partnership with BFM Business and La Tribune, the competition is part of Artificial Intelligence Marseille (AIM), which will take place on September 25, 2026, at the Orange Vélodrome Stadium.

Until August 7, 2026, entrepreneurs from around the world are invited to submit their applications on the ZEBOX website for a chance to win an opportunity to collaborate with the CMA CGM Group or the CMA CGM Foundation through a pilot project or a funded proof of concept of up to €50,000, as well as one year of support from ZEBOX and privileged access to CMA CGM Group decision-makers and its innovation ecosystem.

Addressing six major challenges for the CMA CGM Group and its Foundation

The CMA CGM Startup Awards will recognize the most innovative solutions across six categories:

• Smart Transportation & AI-Augmented Operations: developing artificial intelligence and automation solutions capable of anticipating disruptions, optimizing logistics flows, and improving end-to-end operational performance.
• Future Assets & Infrastructure: reinventing tomorrow’s infrastructure and equipment through low-carbon energy solutions, robotics, digital twins, predictive maintenance, and industrial cybersecurity.
• Next-Generation Media: imagining new media formats, experiences and services powered by data and artificial intelligence to strengthen audience engagement and develop new business models.
• Augmented Talent: reinventing training, safety and employee support through AI copilots, immersive technologies and next-generation digital tools.
• Humanitarian Logistics & Resilient Supply Chains: developing innovative solutions to anticipate crises, optimize aid delivery, secure infrastructure and strengthen supply chain resilience in support of humanitarian projects and efforts to combat social vulnerability.
• Skills, Education & Employability for Tomorrow: leveraging technology to support career guidance, training and workforce integration, enabling everyone, especially young people, to develop the skills needed to succeed in the world of tomorrow.

Fostering future champions alongside CMA CGM at AIM

Sixty international startups, ten in each of the six categories, will be selected to participate in the CMA CGM Startup Awards final on September 25, 2026, at the Orange Vélodrome Stadium as part of Artificial Intelligence Marseille (AIM). Finalists will pitch their solutions before a jury composed of members of the CMA CGM Group Executive Committee and industry experts. The six winners, one per category, will be announced on the AIM main stage.

Tailored support from the CMA CGM Group to accelerate their growth

Each CMA CGM Startup Awards winner will benefit from: 

• An opportunity to collaborate with the CMA CGM Group or one of its industrial partners through a pilot project or a funded proof of concept of up to €50,000.
• One year of support from ZEBOX, the international innovation accelerator dedicated to the positive transformation of the shipping, logistics and media sectors, bringing together leading experts from across these industries and the broader innovation ecosystem.
• Exclusive networking opportunities with CMA CGM Group decision-makers, partners and the international innovation ecosystem.
• For the two winners of the challenges led by the CMA CGM Foundation, an opportunity to pilot their solution alongside the Foundation and its nonprofit partners in order to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian, educational and social inclusion initiatives.

Startups from previous editions are already delivering projects with the Group

Several startups from previous editions are already working with CMA CGM Group entities. Optioryx tested its warehouse optimization solution with CEVA Logistics. Argil and Bodyguard have deployed their technologies within CMA Media. Other pilot projects are underway across shipping, logistics and media activities. These achievements illustrate the ambition of the CMA CGM Startup Awards: transforming innovation into tangible projects that support the Group’s businesses.

Please submit your application before August 7, 2026 here