INTERNATIONAL. Airport International Group (AIG) and TAV Airports, along with majority stakeholder Groupe ADP, are inviting entries to the first Airport Innovation Days competition, which aims to accelerate the development of future airports and mobility solutions.
This international contest targets startups in Jordan, France and Türkiye, with applications welcome until 30 September for Jordan and Türkiye, and 4 November for France.
The contest includes four categories: ‘Green Airport’ – solutions to decarbonise airport operations; ‘Passenger Experience’ – improvements to the passenger experience in terminals; ‘Airport Operations’ – optimal and efficient management of airport facilities; and ‘Open Category’ – innovations which enhance the airport experience.
Three regional finals – on 25 October in Ankara, 6 November in Amman and 4 December in Paris – will recognise the competition’s most innovative solutions. Winning startups will receive financial backing worth up to €50,000 from the three competition hosts, with their Proofs of Concept deployed at Queen Alia International Airport, operated by AIG; Groupe ADP Paris airports; and Ankara Esenboga Airport, managed by TAV Airports.
Winners from Jordan and Türkiye will be invited to the regional final in France, where they will showcase their innovations before a panel of international experts.
Airport Innovation Days seeks to promote startups within the airport sector and raise the profile of innovative projects serving local ecosystems. The competition is supported by Groupe ADP’s Innovation Hub, which has launched over 120 experimental projects in Paris since 2022.
All finalists will have the chance to participate in regional mentoring programmes, including the opportunity to engage with Groupe ADP, AIG and TAV Airports. They will also enjoy exposure from Sifted, a media brand backed by the Financial Times and dedicated to startup, tech and innovation news.
Sifted published a report (Above the Clouds, the Future of Flying) to mark the competition’s launch. The publication examines airport innovation and its role in transforming mobility within ongoing decarbonisation efforts.
Airport International Group CEO Nicolas Deviller commented: “In a country like Jordan, with its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, vibrant startup landscape and young, well-educated workforce, the Airport Innovation Days competition presents an exceptional opportunity to foster innovation and collaboration.
“As the operator of Queen Alia International Airport, Airport International Group has consistently prioritised the competition’s focus areas: eco-friendly practices, exceptional passenger experiences and world-class operations.
“We eagerly anticipate the innovative ideas and solutions that the brightest minds from Jordan, France and Türkiye will unleash to revolutionise the future of airports and mobility.”
Groupe ADP Deputy CEO Edward Arkwright said: “Boosted by the success of our various operations to promote innovation within our international ecosystem, we are launching for the first time an international competition in France and across our global network in Jordan and Türkiye.
“Airport Innovation Days is part of our open innovation approach, which aims to identify and support promising startups that will help us build the airport of tomorrow.
“In the wake of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which accelerated innovation in passenger services, this initiative seeks to strengthen Groupe ADP’s influence on our strategic themes through a multi-local approach, ultimately positioning us as the number one innovation incubator for airports.”
Startups are invited to apply via the official website. ✈️
