Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – is reinforcing its role as a hub for transformative change in the air travel ecosystem. ADR recently launched the fourth edition of its international ‘Call4Startups’, continuing its mission to transform the aviation sector through bold collaboration with emerging tech pioneers. In this video interview, following her participation at the recent co-located APEX FTE EMEA and Ancillary & Retailing events, Giorgia Marizza, Acceleration Program & Open Innovation Specialist, discusses the ‘Call4Startups’, the Airports for Innovation network, ADR’s broader innovation strategy, and much more. Read our full report on the launch of ADR’s fourth ‘Call4Startups’ here.
Targeted innovation with global reach
“The main goal is to select the best startups from around the world,” says Marizza. “This year’s Call4Startups is more focused and specific. We’ve structured six distinct challenges that reflect not only the evolving needs of airport operations, but also the emerging technologies that are reshaping the passenger journey.”
Key challenge areas in the fourth edition include infrastructure innovation, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered enterprise solutions, and the convergence of commercial offerings and passenger experience. The call is open to startups globally, with selected entrants invited to develop a Proof of Concept within ADR’s living laboratory – the ADR Innovation Hub at Fiumicino Airport.
Testing in a ‘Smart City’-like environment
At the heart of the program is the opportunity for startups to test and validate their solutions in a real-world, high-complexity environment. “Our airport is more than an airport – it’s a smart city,” Marizza explains. “We have taxis, shops, mobility systems, logistics, and services all in one place. The ADR Innovation Cabin Crew plays a crucial role in guiding startups through this environment, helping them adapt and thrive within our operational ecosystem.”
Previous editions of the program have already delivered compelling results. Examples include the deployment of autonomous cleaning robots and the use of LiDAR-based systems for real-time passenger flow mapping – technologies that represent both operational efficiency and future-readiness.
Airports for Innovation: a global movement
A significant milestone for ADR’s innovation strategy is the formation of the Airports for Innovation network – an alliance of ten leading airports working together to shape the future of aviation. “In partnership with airports worldwide, we’ve launched a joint call for startups focused on four major challenges: seamless travel, sustainability, AI-powered operations, and smart luggage tracking,” says Marizza. “From forecasting extreme weather to eliminating lost baggage, we are seeking cutting-edge solutions that set the standard for the next generation of airport operations.”
This collaborative model allows participating airports to pool resources and insights, accelerating innovation across the entire aviation value chain.
A 360° innovation strategy
Beyond external partnerships, ADR is cultivating a culture of innovation internally. One standout initiative, now in its second edition, invites employees to submit and develop new ideas that solve real-world problems within the airport.
“We focus on four pillars,” Marizza explains. “Internal innovation with our colleagues, the acceleration program with startups, partnerships with industrial and academic players, and our corporate venture capital arm, ADR Ventures.”
This multifaceted strategy ensures that innovation is embedded at every level of ADR’s operation – from the runway to the boardroom.
Partnering with FTE for impactful collaboration
As a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub, ADR is leveraging the global startup community to further its goals in AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things – the three key themes of the FTE Hub in 2025.
“FTE is a key partner for us. Through the platform, we discover and connect with top startups from around the world,” says Marizza. “And events like APEX FTE Dublin are a vital opportunity for networking, learning, and spreading the word about initiatives like Airports for Innovation.”
Marizza says her highlight of the co-located APEX FTE EMEA and Ancillary & Retailing events was sharing ADR’s vision on-stage and inviting global startups to join the mission: “We’re looking for the best minds to help shape the airport of the future – and this was a fantastic platform to find them.”
Read the full APEX FTE EMEA and Ancillary & Retailing 2025 report >>
Learn more about the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub >>
What’s next – FTE Global, LA, 9 to 11 September 2025, and APEX FTE Asia Expo, Singapore, 11 to 12 November 2025
Join us at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” – in LA, 9 to 11 September 2025 – registration live >>
Join us at APEX FTE Asia Expo in Singapore, 11 to 12 November 2025 – registration live >>
