Accelerate Change with Airport Innovation Runway

To promote change, the Schiphol Innovation Hub offers a program that fast-tracks airport innovation: Runway.

See all active projects

About AIR

What we do

Accelerate your innovation journey with our For Startups program.

Find out what our program can offer to startups, technology providers, and innovators from around the world

Scale solutions

AIR supports PoC to get ready for scaling by validating business models, managing procurement and supporting operations.

Rapid problem solving

Accelerate problem-solving processes, minimizing time-to-market and enhancing your fit to changing market dynamics.

Market understanding

AIR provides 360 degree insight in innovation with your work domain and showcases the biggest opportunities.

Networking Opportunities

Solve a problem or close a sale in real-time with chat. If no one is available, customers are seamlessly routed to email without confusion.

Recognition & Exposure

Projects on AIR are part of a powerfull communication flow. There is a track record of projects reaching gthe national news.

Work with world's best

Collaborate with the best-of-the-class innovations, startups and technology providers to address your business challenges.

How it Works

Journey for innovation

Online

Open for Application

Solution providers can apply to open challenges through a simple and standardised application form.

Online

Engagement calls and Selection

Shortlisted startups will meet interested challenge owners to pitch their solutions, and discuss the potential for Proof of Concept (PoC) and possible road maps.

On Site / Hybrid

Building a Proof of Concept

Schiphol and Solution PRoviders implement the PoC roadmap at the agreed conditions. Schiphol staff and TNW's open innovation specialists will support the roadmap with regular check-ins, support and mentorship.

In Person / Hybrid Meeting

PoC Shaping Workshop

Selected innovations will take part in a workshop where they will meet with the challenge owners in person, finalise details of PoC implementation such as goals, logistics, timeframe and define the PoC roadmap.

On site

Scaling beyond the PoC

Starting during the PoC building, the team will explore how a next partnership could look like, what would be the scale, how this will be procured and what is the desired outcome.

Support

FAQs

Everything you need to know.

What costs are covered and what costs are starts expected to cover?

There is no cost to apply, and Schiphol sustains the cost of implementing the technology PoC. During the PoC definition process, you will discuss and agree directly with the challenge owners on the costs to be covered during the PoC. Startups must be able to cover travel costs to attend in-person events.

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Do I need to give away equity to participate?

No, this is not part of the programme.

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What type of solutions are you looking for?

Each challenge specifies the level of maturity and traction expected from each solution. Generally speaking, and unless otherwise advised, we are looking for solutions that are already past proof of concept and can be used for a technology PoC in a working environment.

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What do I need to attend in person?

If selected for a PoC, you will be required to attend in person 2 events; a PoC Shaping Event with other startups and corporate partners, where details for your PoC collaborations will be finalised and the deal sealed with corporate partners. And a Demo Day (late Oct), where you will have the opportunity to showcase the results of your PoC along with other startups and corporate partners,

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What information do I need to provide in my application?

You will be asked to provide information about your business, technology, team, and experience. The more you tell us, and the more specific you are, the more chances you have to stand out from the competition.

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What is the deadline for applying?

This depends per project, typically there is 30 days to apply

Is it possible to sign an NDA that protects both the solution providers and challenge owners?

Yes, we have a standard two-ways NDA. You can download a template here.

TNW and nlmtd - what's their role in this programme?

TNW is a global brand bringing together the tech ecosystem of startups, scale-ups, corporations, governments, and funding providers. As an established player in global tech ecosystem for over 16 years we are positioned at the heart of tech - combining a unique combination of pillars (Events, Media, Spaces and Programs).
Specifically, TNW Programs harmoniously brings expertise in these four pillars together, to drive open innovation programs for corporate and government clients around the world - fostering a closer connection to global start-up/scale-up technologies and ecosystems.

nlmtd is a leading consulting firm based in the Netherlands and Denmark, specializing in the energy transition and innovation. With expansive expertise, an excessive focus on their customer and a unique consultative approach, nlmtd was ranked best in customer focus and second best energy consultancy in the Netherlands for 2022.
Today nlmtd has worked with the largest players from around the world, leading their strategic path to sustainable business practices - on innovation topics ranging from the food and beverage sector to the energy domain.

Together, TNW and nlmtd are boosting Schiphol's innovation capabilities and powering the Airport Innovation Runway (AIR) programme.

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Additional Questions?

We believe the website includes everything you need to know to apply for one of the open challenges. If you have any additional questions feel free to email ANNEFLEUR.KLAUS@schiphol.nl

We will aim to get back to you as soon as possible.