ADR Ventures, the new Corporate Venture Capital arm of Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has announced its initial venture investment with Ottonomy, a deep tech startup providing contactless deliveries using fully autonomous robots. After a successful proof of concept (PoC) established during the accelerator programme in the Innovation Hub at Rome Fiumicino Airport, the autonomous delivery project became part of ADR’s long-term strategy aimed at maintaining the highest levels of service and enhancing passengers’ experience using cutting-edge technology and innovation.
“Our first investment is an additional step towards building the airport of the future, which will be more autonomous and passenger-centric,” said Emanuele Calà, President and CEO, ADR Ventures. “These are two characteristics that we have found in Ottonomy, both in terms of their team and technology. We are looking forward to a great future together. We believe that this partnership will open new opportunities in the industry and help transform the traveller experience in airports worldwide.”
ADR partnered with corporate and strategic partners, the first of which was Plug & Play Tech Center, in the development of the ‘Runway to the Future’ programme established within ADR’s Innovation Hub. This is an industrial accelerator inside Fiumicino Airport, with senior mentorships from ADR’s Innovation Cabin Crew.
Meanwhile, ADR Ventures aims to offer further support to startups by investing in their ideas developed within the Fiumicino Innovation Hub not only in economic terms, but also in terms of know-how and skills, fostering the development and growth of new companies and entrepreneurs to accompany digital transformation in the industry.
Ottonomy participated in ‘Runway to the Future’ in September 2022, offering added convenience to travellers via autonomous delivery. Passengers can purchase retail items and get them delivered right up to the gate in a digital and completely frictionless experience.
“We are honoured to continue to work with ADR Ventures and the Innovation Hub to further the impact and convenience in the airport environment using technology,” said Ritukar Vijay, CEO, Ottonomy. “ADR is truly committed to being a leader in innovation and bringing excellence and new experience to its customers. The partnership and a multiyear contract with ADR is at the forefront of the future of the travel experience for customers all over the world.”
