Munich Startup: What does your startup do? What problem are you solving?
Syed Miftah Zeya, CEO of Space-Ship: Space-Ship is a technology company specializing in maritime, space, and Earth observation. We use space-based data and artificial intelligence to address challenges such as decarbonization, climate change monitoring, and damage mitigation. Our AI-powered maritime solution helps ports with efficient planning and resource allocation, resulting in significant cost savings and reduced emissions.
Munich Startup: But that already exists, doesn’t it!
Syed Miftah Zeya: Similar solutions exist, but we differentiate ourselves through the use of cutting-edge AI, deep learning, and interdisciplinary expertise from maritime, meteorology, and Earth observation. This allows us to deliver customized, highly effective solutions for public and private sector customers.
Munich Startup: What is your founding story?
Syed Miftah Zeya: We founded Space-Ship to bring technical innovations to the maritime industry by leveraging space-based data and AI. As founders with direct experience in the maritime sector, we initially focused on maritime actors before expanding into related fields such as meteorology and oceanography.
Maritime technology company far from classic port cities
Munich Startup: What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Syed Miftah Zeya: Our biggest challenges were twofold – on one hand, assembling a highly qualified team from various disciplines, and on the other, proving that a maritime technology company can succeed in Munich, far from classic port cities. Recruiting experts in maritime, remote sensing, meteorology, and AI who share our vision required considerable time and effort. We also had to convince industry players that innovative maritime solutions don’t necessarily have to come from a port city. Despite these challenges, we’ve now built an interdisciplinary team of maritime professionals, remote sensing experts, meteorologists, oceanographers, AI specialists, and software developers that develops innovative and tailored solutions.
Planned: International expansion beyond Europe
Munich Startup: Where do you want to be in one year, and where in five years?
Syed Miftah Zeya: In one year, we want to establish our AI-powered maritime solutions in ports worldwide. In five years, we want to be the leading provider of AI-powered Earth observation solutions and help organizations tackle global challenges with state-of-the-art technology. We also plan international expansion beyond Europe into new markets.
Munich Startup: How have you experienced Munich as a startup location so far?
Syed Miftah Zeya: Our experience has been consistently positive – Munich offers a strong mix of talent, innovation, and business opportunities. We’ve benefited from numerous learning opportunities, networking events, and access to public funding and awards. Nevertheless, entering the maritime market from an inland city presents a particular challenge that requires building strong industry connections beyond the local ecosystem.
Munich Startup: Hidden champion or shooting star?
Syed Miftah Zeya: A hidden champion on the way to becoming a global shooting star!
