AI startup Docker Vision bags ₹1 crore grant for maritime OCR technology

As part of USHUS, the maritime startup engagement programme of Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) in association with IIT-Madras, AI and computer vision startup Docker Vision was awarded a grant worth ₹1 crore. Docker Vision's innovative contributions towards maritime digital transformation led to the startup bagging the honour.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal formally presented the ₹1 crore grant to Docker Vision CEO Prajith Nair, with Cochin Shipyard Chairman and Director Madhu S. Nair and other dignitaries present during a Dedication Ceremony of Terra Maris, held this week at CSL as part of the 'Green Tug Transition Program'.

CSL CMD Madhu S. Nair, during the event, said that the two major national programmes—the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047—have led to the rapid transformation of the entire maritime sector, be it ports, inland waterways, and shipping.

And this is exactly why training has become extremely important, especially when the maritime industry is going through a technology transformation, he added.

Docker Vision was awarded the grant for its defining role in "transforming port and shipping operations through advanced AI-powered OCR (optical character recognition) solutions," read an official statement. 

Docker Vision's flagship OCR technology uses AI to identify containers, vehicles, and shipping documents, leading to a marked reduction in manual operations—improving traceability, and accelerating logistics across terminals.

The startup's CEO, Prajith Nair, was elated at the "defining moment" for the Kochi-based Docker Vision, which was founded in 2021. "It is a validation of our mission to transform the maritime and logistics sectors through deep-tech innovation," added Prajith Nair. 

Docker Vision expects the grant to help them fast-track their product development and real-world deployment as it aims to "put Indian innovation on the global maritime map."

At the heels of the achievement, Athira M, Docker Vision's CTO, added that the grant was a testament to the startup's commitment to building technology that “not only meets global standards but also sets them by empowering ports, customs and logistics stakeholders with intelligent, efficient tools.”

Docker Vision CTO said the grant boosts the start-up’s commitment to building technology that sets global standards in "empowering ports, customs and logistics stakeholders with intelligent, efficient tools."

Maritime