Lufthansa Innovation Hub and ADR Innovation Hub to accelerate innovation in aviation

The Lufthansa Innovation Hub (LIH), the innovation arm of the Lufthansa Group, and ADR Innovation Hub, the start-up accelerator at Rome’s Fiumicino “Leonardo da Vinci” Airport, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing innovation in the aviation sector. This partnership aims to foster joint projects, share industry insights and work with start-ups, focusing on developing innovative solutions for the future of air travel.

Strategic focus on innovation

The MoU outlines several key areas of co-operation, including co-developing pilot projects, exchanging innovative ideas and co-ordinating proof-of-concept tests. One potential project is the deployment of Cosmos, a machine learning platform developed by LIH to improve collaboration between airlines and ground handling service providers. The partnership will also extend to start-ups through the ADR acceleration programme, “Runway to the Future,” which supports emerging technologies in travel and aviation.

Both organisations plan to engage in regular exchanges regarding new technologies, market dynamics and trends in venture capital, further driving innovation between the two hubs.

Expanding innovation efforts in airports

Lufthansa Innovation Hub has long promoted open innovation, especially with key players in the travel ecosystem. Recognising airports’ importance in the travel experience, this partnership marks a step forward in intensifying LIH’s focus on airport-related innovations.

“As a crucial part of the travel experience, we see airports as a highly relevant field for innovation,” said Dr. Stefan Nothelfer, Director of Partnerships and New Business Ventures at Lufthansa Innovation Hub. “Building on our previous venture clienting and research activities in this area, we are more than pleased with the cooperation with ADR Innovation Hub.”

“This partnership represents a strategic collaboration in advancing the aviation industry,” said Emanuele Calà, Senior Vice President of Transformation & Technology at Aeroporti di Roma and Managing Director at ADR Ventures. “We are committed to collaboration as a key lever to shape the future of the aviation industry, and we are proud to work alongside Lufthansa Innovation Hub.”

Enhancing collaboration with start-ups

Both LIH and ADR Innovation Hub are committed to supporting startup innovation. Lufthansa Innovation Hub’s “Startup Gate” platform connects Lufthansa Group with cutting-edge start-ups, accelerating the adoption of new technologies in aviation. The shared expertise and resources from this partnership are expected to lead to more effective collaborations with start-ups.