JORDAN. Airport International Group (AIG) has revealed the winners of the first Airport Innovation Days competition.
The awards ceremony, held on Wednesday (6 November) at The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, honoured startups ADADK, LYNEports and Salam with first, second and third places, respectively.
Launched this year by Groupe ADP, AIG’s majority shareholder, in partnership with Sifted, a media brand backed by the Financial Times, the contest aims to accelerate the development of future airports and mobility solutions.
The top prize offers up to €50,000 (US$54,000) in financial backing from Groupe ADP and Airport International Group to implement their Proof of Concept at Queen Alia International Airport.
In addition, the three winning startups from Jordan will be invited to the Paris finale to present their innovations to a panel of international experts, while also gaining media exposure through Sifted.
The event highlighted innovative presentations from 13 startups, which concluded with awards for the top performers in four main categories. These are: ‘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.
The judging panel comprised well-regarded industry figures, including AIG CEO Nicolas Deviller; Groupe ADP Director of Innovation Alban Negret; Edgo Group Managing Director and Airport International Group Board Member Omar Al Masri; AIG IT Director Omar Abu Hazeem; and Propeller Managing Director Tambi Jalouqa.
Deviller said: “Today, we come together to support the spirit of innovation and collaboration that is reshaping the future of airports and transportation. We drew different perspectives and unique insights from entrepreneurs, allowing us to uncover innovations tailored to meet both local and global airport needs.
“Through this competition, we aim to offer practical support and connect startups to essential resources, expertise and industry leaders, empowering them to bring impactful, real-world solutions to aviation.
“This competition launched by Groupe ADP and Sifted showcases our commitment to advancing Jordan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” he added. “By collaborating with the creative minds of startups, Airport International Group is helping to drive progress in crucial areas like decarbonisation, operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
“We thank all our stakeholders, both local and global, who share our commitment to innovation – and to the winners and finalists, congratulations on your hard work, perseverance and creativity.”
The event also included a panel discussion titled ‘Sky’s the Limit: Innovating the Future of Airports’ which brought together industry leaders – AB Ventures Managing Director Faisal Hakki; int@j Chief Programs Officer Ziad Almasri; Oasis500 CEO Luma Fawaz; and Quill World CEO Aladdin Khalaileh.
The panel explored emerging trends and opportunities in airport technology and passenger experience. ✈
