IAG’s Hangar 51 takes flight with latest innovation programme

by Startacus Admin

From the future of airport operations and logistics, innovative travel management tools, future cargo logistics solutions, through to tech solutions and platforms that can offer innovative travel, loyalty and payment options to customers, the International Airlines Group (IAG) Hangar 51 innovation programme is on the hunt for tech startups with a broad range of aviation industry solutions, enabling startups to develop and test their products on a global scale.

But, take note! Interested tech startups had better be quick and apply, as applications close this Friday 2nd August BST.

Based in Spain for the second time after the huge success of its Spanish programme in 2017, startups from around the world are invited to join the industry-leading programme which will be hosted in Madrid and Barcelona. 

Launched in collaboration with Iberia, Vueling and IAG Cargo, Hangar 51 goes beyond a traditional accelerator as the successful applicants will be embedded in the heart of the business working side by side with an international team of mentors and experts from across the Group. Hangar 51 has seen more than 1,200 startup applications worldwide since its launch in 2016.

The 10-week accelerator nurtures startups with a broad range of technologies, enabling them to develop and test their products on a global scale.

At the end of this period, startups will showcase their achievements at a Demo Day before an audience comprised of the Group’s senior management team and investors. This will give them the opportunity to receive potential investment from IAG’s multimillion pound digital fund to scale their business. In the last three years, the Group has invested in five companies.

This year, the accelerator is welcoming applications in 7 categories:

• Airport operations and logistics: smart technologies and robotic processes to optimise performance, safety, efficiency and customer experience.

• Future of customer interaction: wearable devices, self-service technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate passengers’ travel from booking to boarding.

• Disruption management: innovative solutions and travel management tools to support passengers during disruption that affects airlines’ operations such as air traffic control strikes and adverse weather.

• Future cargo logistics: analytics, asset tracking and monitoring tools to optimise cargo operations.

• Sustainability: carbon offset, carbon capture and innovative waste management

• New products and services: tech solutions and platforms that can offer innovative travel, loyalty and payment options to customers.

• Wildcard: any new disruptive ideas that have the potential to reshape the travel industry.

The 10-week, intensive collaboration will then run from Monday 30 September to Friday 6 December.

But first, to be considered, startups must make that all important application by midnight BST on August 2 2019. Interested startups can apply here.

Good luck to all who apply and we look forward to seeing which startups are given the green light for lift-off. 

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• #aviation
• #travel
• #airports
• #logistics
• #aig
• #hanger 51
• #spain
• #accelerator
• #corporate innovation

Published on: 31st July 2019