Docker Vision Awarded Rs 1 cr Grant Under CSL’s USHUS Program

KOCHI:
Pioneering AI and computer vision startup Docker Vision won a Rs 1-crore grant by USHUS, which is a maritime startup engagement program of Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) in association with IIT-Madras, recognising the company’s innovative contributions towards maritime digital transformation.

The award was formally presented during a Dedication Ceremony of Terra Maris, held this week at CSL as part of the Green Tug Transition Program.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal led the felicitation of forward-looking technologies driving sustainability and efficiency in the Indian maritime sector.

CSL Chairman and Director Madhu S. Nair, in his welcome address, emphasised the importance of nurturing innovation and skill-building among India’s youth.

“The entire maritime sector—ports, inland waterways, and shipping—is undergoing rapid transformation driven by two major national programs: the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,” he noted. “Training has become extremely important, especially when the maritime industry is going through a technology transformation.”

The Rs 1-crore grant underscores Docker Vision’s role in transforming port and shipping operations through advanced AI-powered OCR (optical character recognition) solutions. The company’s flagship OCR technology is designed to bring automation to ports through AI-driven identification of containers, vehicles, and shipping documents—reducing manual operations, improving traceability, and accelerating logistics across terminals.

Docker Vision CEO Prajith Nair described the grant under the CSL USHUS Program as a “defining moment” for the Kochi-based company founded in 2021. “It is a validation of our mission to transform the maritime and logistics sectors through deep-tech innovation,” he added. “This will fast-track our product development, accelerate real-world deployment, and put Indian innovation on the global maritime map.”

Docker Vision CTO Athira M said the grant boosts the start-up’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.”