Digital Gate II: AIA’s Airport Challenge Seeks Best Innovative Business Models

George Dimitriadis, director of AIA’s IT&T business unit.

The Athens International Airport (AIA) recently concluded the third and final phase of “The Digital Gate II” competition, which aims to encourage digital innovation and youth entrepreneurship.

The competition invited young entrepreneurs to “think innovatively and develop solutions for the airport” in terms of new e-services and innovative business models.

Eight teams took part in the third phase and completed the MVPs (minimum viable product) under the guidance of experienced AIA executives. During the final stage of the procedure, all participants had the opportunity to test and evaluate their product or service in an actual airport setting.

Furthermore, all business ideas were presented during a special event at the Athens International Airport – the place of their possible future implementation.

The evaluation committee consisted of senior executives of Athens Airport and the aviation industry, as well as representatives of the UniFund, an investment group established within the framework of the Equifund, an investment platform supported by the European Investment Fund (EIF).

The committee was called to choose the best teams based on the value of their applications, their innovation and sustainability and their ability of being implemented in the airport. The overall presentation and the projects’ progress were also taken under consideration.

The results of the evaluation procedure and the winners will be announced during a special event in January 2018.

Following the success of the first competition in 2015, this year’s “Digital Gate II” is held in cooperation with the Athens Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ACEin) of the Athens University of Economics and Business.

For more information (in Greek) visit the website https://thedigitalgate.gr/dgiipilots/ of follow the QR (left).