Learn the airline innovation model that actually scales startups
Corporate accelerators have become commonplace, but relatively few consistently turn startup pilots into long-term commercial partnerships. Aviation presents an even tougher test, where safety, regul... After working with more than 120 startups, IAGi's Nisha Basson-Mugnier explains how airlines choose technologies, scale successful pilots and identify the next wave of aviation innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Traveltech Learn the airline innovation model that actually scales startups After working with more than 120 startups, IAGi's Nisha Basson-Mugnier explains how airlines choose technologies, scale successful pilots and identify the next wave of aviation innovation.
Cate Lawrence 2 hours ago Share Share Send email Copy link Corporate accelerators have become commonplace, but relatively few consistently turn startup pilots into long-term commercial partnerships.
- Founded in 2016, IAGi has evolved into a multi-track innovation platform that supports startups from early validation through to commercial deployment.
- Beyond the accelerator and investment activities, the innovation team works closely with IAG's airlines to identify business challenges, scout promising startups globally, and help successful pilots become commercial deployments across the Group.
Airlines decide, IAGi enables Unlike many corporate innovation programmes, however, IAGi does not decide which startups move forward.
- We handle all scouting and invite the strongest startups to present at a series of Pitch Week sessions.
The airlines themselves decide which startups they want to work with.
- Discover, meanwhile, is aimed at earlier-stage deeptech startups whose technologies are not yet ready for commercial deployment.
Stats & Key Facts
- #Traveltech Learn the airline innovation model that actually scales startups After working with more than 120 startups, IAGi's Nisha Basson-Mugnier explains how airlines choose technologies, scale successful pilots and identify the next wave of aviation innovation.
- #Launched in March 2025, it plans to invest up to €200 million in high-potential startups over the coming years whose technologies have long-term strategic relevance to aviation - making it one of the largest corporate aviation venture funds globally and the biggest established by a European airline group.
- #Deploy is a 12-week programme for companies with market-ready products, working directly with IAG's airlines and operating businesses to run proof-of-value projects in live operational environments.
After working with more than 120 startups, IAGi's Nisha Basson-Mugnier explains how airlines choose technologies, scale successful pilots and identify the next wave of aviation innovation. Traveltech Learn the airline innovation model that actually scales startups After working with more than 120 startups, IAGi's Nisha Basson-Mugnier explains how airlines choose technologies, scale successful pilots and identify the next wave of aviation innovation. Cate Lawrence 2 hours ago Share Share Send email Copy link Corporate accelerators have become commonplace, but relatively few consistently turn startup pilots into long-term commercial partnerships.
Aviation presents an even tougher test, where safety, regulation and operational complexity mean promising technologies can quickly unravel in practice. Over the past decade, IAGi , the innovation arm of International Airlines Group (IAG), has developed a model designed to bridge that gap, helping startups validate technologies inside airlines including British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling before scaling successful projects across the Group. I spoke to Nisha Basson-Mugnier, innovation leader at International Airlines Group (IAG) to learn more.
Founded in 2016, IAGi has evolved into a multi-track innovation platform that supports startups from early validation through to commercial deployment. Working across six strategic areas - AI, automation and robotics, sustainability and mobility, experiential platforms, connectivity and next-generation computing, and cybersecurity - the programme connects emerging technologies with real business problems and priorities across the Group. At its core is the IAGi Accelerator, an open innovation programme that pairs startups with IAG business units to run pilots in areas ranging from airport operations and customer experience to AI, robotics and sustainability.
For more details please read the original article at Tech.eu.
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