Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – recently launched its third ‘Call4Startups’ as part of its ‘Runway to the Future Acceleration Program’, as Future Travel Experience reported in this in-depth article. It is empowering the next generation of disruptors with the opportunity to embark on an eight-month journey to develop a Proof of Concept, testing their solution within the ADR Innovation Hub at Rome Fiumicino Airport. In this interview, Alice Tosti, Acceleration Program & Open Innovation Specialist, ADR, shares details of the response so far and why, with the 22 March 2024 deadline to apply approaching, “it’s crucial for startups to catch this unique opportunity”.
The third edition of ADR’s ‘Call4Startups’ is based on six main challenges:
- Smart operations & processes: solutions that facilitate terminal and operator processes.
- Infrastructure management & development: solutions that support the continuous improvement of the airport through the management and development of infrastructure.
- Passenger experience: improving the passenger experience to ensure an increasingly pleasant and smooth journey for passengers.
- Net zero target & sustainability: contributing to the net zero goal through technology, process management and social sustainability.
- Commercial opportunities: new business opportunities by exploiting new technologies and customising the offer.
- Disruptive solutions: open call dedicated to startups which have high-impact technological solutions without any thematic constraints.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the response to our third ‘Call4Startups’,” Tosti explains. “The level of interest has exceeded our expectations, as evidenced by the high number of startups that have engaged in our in-depth webinars on the challenges. The startups that are applying are set to play a key role in defining our smart-city airport and it’s inspiring to see so many cutting-edge solutions eager to shape the airport of the future. Their cutting-edge perspectives are exactly what we need to revolutionise the aviation industry.”
The selected startups will benefit from:
- Up to €80,000 for each startup.
- Senior business mentorship from ADR’s Innovation Cabin Crew.
- Up to €2 million contract, after testing, for a full commercial roll-out.
- Potential investment by Aeroporti di Roma’s corporate venture capital (CVC) fund, ADR Ventures.
- Support from the ‘Airports for Innovation’ network that manages over 700 million passengers.
- Exclusive access to the ADR Innovation Hub located inside Terminal 1 at Rome Fiumicino Airport.
“With the application deadline of 22 March 2024 just around the corner, it’s crucial for startups to catch this unique opportunity to apply to the third Global Call4Startups of our Runway to the Future Acceleration Program,” Tosti shares. “It’s a concrete opportunity for the startups to showcase their innovative solutions in a dynamic and rapidly-evolving industry and accelerate their growth, making a significant impact on the future of aviation.”
Click here to discover more on the Acceleration Program and the application process.
If you’re interested in joining the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub and playing an active role in our unique digital transformation and innovation community, please contact us here and we will be happy to share more information.
