IAG launches the third Hangar 51 innovation programme
International Airlines Group (IAG) is launching its third Hangar 51 global innovation programme in collaboration with British Airways, Avios and IAG Cargo.
Startups from around the world are invited to join the industry-leading programme. Up to ten successful companies will be embedded in the heart of the business to develop and test their products with the opportunity to grow on a global scale.
In partnership with L Marks, Hangar 51 supports startups of all sizes and growth stages to transform the travel industry.
The programme goes beyond a traditional accelerator and offers disruptive companies ten weeks of co-working alongside IAG. They will receive personalised mentoring and access to a vast network of industry contacts and experts from across the Group. Successful applicants will also 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.
The accelerator will focus on six core categories:
- Connected service: innovative devices, including wearables and IoT solutions, which can assist in providing an excellent experience for customers and employees.
- Smarter operations: big data analytics, robotic processes and smart contracting to optimise business operations.
- New products: creative solutions to enhance the products and services portfolio which can be integrated into existing platforms to improve the customer journey.
- Future cargo logistics: shipping analytics, asset tracking, and measurement and monitoring tools to optimise cargo operations.
- Loyalty and rewards: tech solutions and platforms, such as card-linking and alternative payment options, which are easily integrated into Avios, the airlines’ channels and retail partners.
- Wildcard: any new disruptive ideas that have the potential to reshape the travel industry.
Dupsy Abiola, IAG’s head of global innovation, said: “IAG is passionate about cultivating and supporting the next generation of travel technology companies. As one of the world’s largest airline groups, disruptive startups can benefit from our size, scale and expertise to help drive faster product innovation. Hangar 51 is now in its third year and our last accelerators saw us receive 800 applications worldwide which led to investment in three startups. We’re excited about continuing our unique approach by bringing the startups to the heart of our business and harnessing their potential to transform the future of travel.”
Daniel Saunders, Chief Executive of L Marks commented: “We are excited to launch the third iteration of Hangar 51, continuing our close partnership with IAG. There is a wealth of early-stage companies developing transformative technologies which IAG will embrace as part of Hangar 51. Through this programme, British Airways, Avios and IAG Cargo, will enhance their operations and deliver even better services to their customers. I look forward to seeing which startups that will join the programme and witness their growth through working with one of the world’s largest airline groups.
Startups can now submit their applications to join Hangar 51 at www.hangar51.com. Applications will close at midnight BST on August 5, 2018.