Aena, the majority shareholder of London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLA), is inviting applications for the second round of its Aena Ventures innovation programme. The programme provides funding for start-ups looking to develop innovative solutions in five key areas:
• Sustainability
• Data Management
• Digitization
• Efficiency
• Passenger Experience
The programme is open to start-ups worldwide and applications can be submitted at www.aenaventures.com up until 31 July.
Up to five projects will be selected for the programme, each of which will be eligible for up to €50,000 in funding from Aena. In addition, the five selected start-ups will benefit from access to mentors from Aena, as well as the use of its facilities such as LLA to test ideas. Following completion of the programme, each selected start-up will have an opportunity to secure an agreement of up to €2 million to develop and deploy their projects in selected Aena airports.
Alberto Martin, CEO of London Luton Airport, commented: “With the existing and future challenges facing the aviation industry, this is an important, timely and forward-thinking programme that provides a pathway for innovative start-ups to work with Aena. This is an opportunity for progressive businesses in our surrounding region to work alongside one of the world’s largest airport operators, developing groundbreaking solutions and technologies that can make a hugely positive difference.”
In its first call for applications for its Ventures innovation programme, Aena received more than 250 proposals from start-ups of 33 different nationalities. Five start-ups participated in an acceleration phase, in which they received 50,000 euros and were mentored by experts. Four of the accelerated projects are now providing services in Aena airports.
