- Up to €160,000 to test innovative solutions in several airport hubs, including Nice Côte d’Azur.
- Direct access to decision-makers from major international airports.
- Potential for global adoption of validated solutions, potentially impacting up to 800 million passengers.
Airports for Innovation (A4I), an initiative bringing together ten major airport operators worldwide, including Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, is launching an ambitious call for startups.
This program offers a unique opportunity for startups to validate and test their solutions in real-world environments while benefiting from financial and strategic support.
The initiative aims to foster disruptive technologies that will transform the aviation industry, particularly in the areas of passenger experience, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Call for Startups
The Call4Startups, opening on September 12, 2024, invites technology companies to submit their applications to participate in this unique venture.
Selected startups will be able to test their solutions in several international hubs, with up to €160,000 in funding.
The program aims to identify technologies capable of improving airport operations :
- Seamless travel experience
- AI-Powered Airports
- Smart Luggage Revolution
- Sustainable Aviation:
Selected startups will have the opportunity to validate their technologies within an influential network, with direct access to decision-makers from major international airports.
Real-world validation will take place over 12 months, with tailored support from mentors and aviation experts.
A Global Network of 10 Major Airport Operators
The Airports for Innovation program is based on a solid network of ten major airport operators, spread across four continents, offering startups an international reach:
- Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur (France)
- Aeroporti di Roma (Italie)
- AENA (Espagne)
- Aéroport de Munich (Allemagne)
- Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (États-Unis)
- Dubai International Airport (Émirats Arabes Unis)
- Oman Airports
- Narita International Airport (Japon)
- Vancouver International Airport (Canada)
- Aéroport international d’Athènes (Grèce)
This network, collectively managing over 800 million passengers, represents a unique opportunity for startups to test their innovations in diverse and complex environments, while positioning themselves as key players in the transformation of aviation.
A Structured Timeline for Concrete Results
The Call4Startups will begin on September 12, 2024, and companies will have until the end of October to submit their applications. The announcement of the winners will take place in late November, and pilot projects will start in December 2024 for a duration of 12 months.
Startups Nice Côte d’Azur France
- Follow Health (Nice) joins European software group Orisha
- Solaya recognised once again by France 2030 for its 3D reconstruction technology
- Team Nice Côte d’Azur at VivaTech 2026: bringing Nice Côte d’Azur to the heart of innovation markets
- Team Nice Côte d’Azur and Rising Sud join forces with Latitude59 to promote the technological strengths of the Côte d’Azur and Région Sud
- TradeSource (PGC): the Nice-based deeptech platform set to transform SMEs’ international trade through blockchain
- DimiCare Biotech: a Nice-based innovation among the winners of the i-Lab 2025 competition
- Blue Innovation Challenge: supporting innovation in the blue economy sector
- Étienne Boulay: a Quebec entrepreneur committed to the economic development of Nice Côte d’Azur
- Japan Entry Acceleration Program: a launchpad towards the Japanese market for innovative health startups
- Firecell: Ultra-precise industrial 5G geolocation for Airbus
- Legal Design Agency chooses Nice Côte d’Azur
- The Nice-based biotech Roca Therapeutics reaches a new milestone in its development
