FAQ - Airports for Innovation
FAQ
Our FAQs page provides detailed answers to the most common inquiries about our project. Here, you can find information on various aspects and get clarity on key topics. For additional details or specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What is Airports For Innovation?
The Airports For Innovation Network is a groundbreaking collaboration that, for the first time ever, unites leading airports worldwide to launch an international Call4Startups. This unique initiative brings together airports, startups, and industry experts with a clear common goal: to shape the future of aviation by defining new technological standards, improving passenger experience, and increasing operational efficiency through sustainable and innovative approaches.
What benefits does the Airports for Innovation network provide for startups?
1) Unique opportunity to validate solutions in international airports; 2) Receive 20.000 EUR per airport to cover operational and travel expenses for the pilot on your projects; 3) Gain access to dedicated business mentorship from industry leaders; 4) elevate your startup by gaining international exposure and the chance to showcase and test your solutions on a worldwide stage.
What is the objective of Airports for Innovation network?
The aim of the network is to launch the first international Call4Startups in the airport sector and choose the best worldwide startups to run Pilot with them and solve common airport needs.
How does the selection process look like?
The application period will be open for 6 weeks , then we are going to announce the finalist in November 2024 and we aim to start the Pilots in December 2024. The startups cannot choose the airport in this initial phase, but can express a preference only if they make it through the shortlist.
I am a startup and I'd like to apply to the programme, how can I apply?
You have to click on the button Apply Now and simply fill the form and upload your pitch deck.
How the programme is structured?
The Airports For Innovation (A4I) program is designed to foster groundbreaking solutions in the airport industry. A4I launches four challenges related to the airport industry, inviting startups to participate by submitting their proposals. These proposals are then evaluated by an international Selection Committee, consisting of representatives from all the airports in the network. Startups with the highest ratings are given priority in chosen their preferred airports for executing their pilots. Airports can decide whether to accept a startup for a specific challenge until a valid match is found. Once selected, startups will test their solutions in at least two international hubs for a period of 10 months. Each matched airport provides 20.000 EUR to cover operational and travel expenses for the pilot.
Do the airports expect a return from pilots? What if the result is not as expected?
Airports participating in the A4I program do not expect a financial return on investment from the pilots, and the startup will not be penalized if the pilot does not yield the expected results. However, the startup is required to adhere to the execution of milestones established in the relevant agreement. It is important that startups remain dedicated and committed to completing the pilot within the duration specified in the agreement.
When do I receive the payment to execute the pilot?
Payment terms are defined in the pertinent agreement according to project milestones.
Is the program equity-free?
Yes, the program is equity-free.
Will the program be conducted online or in person?
The program will be primarily online, with some in-person activities such as the final Demo Day and any necessary travel for the pilot execution.
Do I need a special VISA to work on the pilot for a specific airport?
Any travel and VISA costs required to work on the pilot must be covered by the startup.
I am an awardee, but I cannot afford traveling to some airports to develop my pilot. Can I withdraw from the process?
Yes, you can withdraw from the process at any time and for any reason before the agreement is signed. If you withdraw after the agreement is in place, you will be required to return a proportional amount of any payments received for milestones that have not been met.
What language will be used for the program?
The working language of the program will be English. Proposals must be written in English.
What are the criteria for evaluating proposals?
The criteria for evaluating proposals are detailed in the official document of the bases.
How does the selection process look like?
A s soon as we recieve applications, the Evaluation Comittee is going to evaluate startup assiging a band score to 6 parameters (you can find all the info in the "terms&conditions documentation"), then the best startups for each challenge are going to pitch their solution and within the end of November we are going to announce the winners.
What happens if the pilot is successful? Can I get a direct contract to offer my product/services?
A successful pilot could be your gateway to a long-term, impactful partnership with leading airports worldwide. While there is no obligation for airports to continue the partnership, each airport will independently define the relationship model with the startup according on their preferences and local regulations.
1. What is Airports For Innovation?
The Airports For Innovation Network is a groundbreaking collaboration that, for the first time ever, unites leading airports worldwide to launch an international Call4Startups. This unique initiative brings together airports, startups, and industry experts with a clear common goal: to shape the future of aviation by defining new technological standards, improving passenger experience, and increasing operational efficiency through sustainable and innovative approaches.
What benefits does the Airports for Innovation network provide for startups?
1) Unique opportunity to validate solutions in international airports; 2) Receive 20.000 EUR per airport to cover operational and travel expenses for the pilot on your projects; 3) Gain access to dedicated business mentorship from industry leaders; 4) elevate your startup by gaining international exposure and the chance to showcase and test your solutions on a worldwide stage.
What is the objective of Airports for Innovation network?
The aim of the network is to launch the first international Call4Startups in the airport sector and choose the best worldwide startups to run Pilot with them and solve common airport needs.
How does the selection process look like?
The application period will be open for 6 weeks , then we are going to announce the finalist in November 2024 and we aim to start the Pilots in December 2024. The startups cannot choose the airport in this initial phase, but can express a preference only if they make it through the shortlist.
I am a startup and I'd like to apply to the programme, how can I apply?
You have to click on the button Apply Now and simply fill the form and upload your pitch deck.
How the programme is structured?
The Airports For Innovation (A4I) program is designed to foster groundbreaking solutions in the airport industry. A4I launches four challenges related to the airport industry, inviting startups to participate by submitting their proposals. These proposals are then evaluated by an international Selection Committee, consisting of representatives from all the airports in the network. Startups with the highest ratings are given priority in chosen their preferred airports for executing their pilots. Airports can decide whether to accept a startup for a specific challenge until a valid match is found. Once selected, startups will test their solutions in at least two international hubs for a period of 10 months. Each matched airport provides 20.000 EUR to cover operational and travel expenses for the pilot.
Do the airports expect a return from pilots? What if the result is not as expected?
Airports participating in the A4I program do not expect a financial return on investment from the pilots, and the startup will not be penalized if the pilot does not yield the expected results. However, the startup is required to adhere to the execution of milestones established in the relevant agreement. It is important that startups remain dedicated and committed to completing the pilot within the duration specified in the agreement.
When do I receive the payment to execute the pilot?
Payment terms are defined in the pertinent agreement according to project milestones.
Is the program equity-free?
Yes, the program is equity-free.
Will the program be conducted online or in person?
The program will be primarily online, with some in-person activities such as the final Demo Day and any necessary travel for the pilot execution.
Do I need a special VISA to work on the pilot for a specific airport?
Any travel and VISA costs required to work on the pilot must be covered by the startup.
I am an awardee, but I cannot afford traveling to some airports to develop my pilot. Can I withdraw from the process?
Yes, you can withdraw from the process at any time and for any reason before the agreement is signed. If you withdraw after the agreement is in place, you will be required to return a proportional amount of any payments received for milestones that have not been met.
What language will be used for the program?
The working language of the program will be English. Proposals must be written in English.
What are the criteria for evaluating proposals?
The criteria for evaluating proposals are detailed in the official document of the bases.
How does the selection process look like?
A s soon as we recieve applications, the Evaluation Comittee is going to evaluate startup assiging a band score to 6 parameters (you can find all the info in the "terms&conditions documentation"), then the best startups for each challenge are going to pitch their solution and within the end of November we are going to announce the winners.
What happens if the pilot is successful? Can I get a direct contract to offer my product/services?
A successful pilot could be your gateway to a long-term, impactful partnership with leading airports worldwide. While there is no obligation for airports to continue the partnership, each airport will independently define the relationship model with the startup according on their preferences and local regulations.