The majority shareholder of London Luton Airport Operations (LLA) has launched a programme to provide funding support to start-ups. Aena Ventures will focus on businesses using technology to improve the passenger experience at airports.

Companies that are selected will be eligible for up to $50,000, as well as receiving mentorship from Aena and the change to enter into a €2 million deal for the development and deployment of the technology at airports.

“Start-up businesses will be essential for helping to meet the challenges of the aviation sector in the coming years. The Aena Ventures programme will allow up to five companies to collaborate and test their products before implementing prototypes in different airports, and potentially securing a deployment contract at the end of the process,” said Amparo Brea, chief innovation, sustainability and customer experience officer at Aena.

“As a global airport operator, we hope to attract entries from all around the world, and look forward to collaborating with the businesses who will help us to solve the challenges of tomorrow.”

The six-month programme will start in December 2020 and will run until May 2021.