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ADR Launches Fourth Call4Startups Edition at FCO Innovation Hub

ADR Launches Fourth Call4Startups Edition at FCO Innovation Hub
Aeroporti di Roma (ADR), a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub, has inaugurated the fourth edition of its Call4Startups initiative at the Innovation Hub of Rome Fiumicino Airport. This program, integral to ADR’s ‘Runway to the Future’ acceleration scheme, continues to garner substantial international interest. Over 400 applications were received from more than 350 startups, with approximately 75% originating from outside Italy. This robust global engagement highlights the increasing appeal of ADR’s open innovation framework.
Developing and Testing Innovations in Operational Environments
Selected startups will spend the next eight months operating at both Fiumicino and Ciampino airports, where they will develop and pilot their solutions within real-world operational settings. These entrepreneurs will receive guidance from the Innovation Cabin Crew, a multidisciplinary team of 25 ADR professionals dedicated to mentoring participants and facilitating the integration of new technologies into airport operations. The overarching objective is to enhance operational efficiency and elevate the passenger experience.
Emanuele Calà, Senior Vice President of Transformation & Technology at Aeroporti di Roma and Managing Director of ADR Ventures, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative: “The launch of the fourth edition of the ‘Runway to the Future’ programme confirms our commitment to accelerate the transformation of our airport into a true smart city. The selected startups will implement solutions ranging from automation to artificial intelligence, working closely with the Innovation Cabin Crew inside the Innovation Hub, strengthening Fiumicino’s role as a global trialling platform.”
During the official launch event on 3 December 2025, participating startups demonstrated a variety of advanced technologies. These included an autonomous robot designed for sanitising environments and surfaces, an intelligent system for digitalising inspections and maintenance, a machine for automated baggage handling, and a platform enabling real-time monitoring of construction progress. The event also facilitated collaboration through working groups, networking sessions, and one-on-one meetings between startups and ADR’s partners.
Navigating a Competitive Innovation Landscape
Despite the program’s successes, ADR faces mounting competition within the innovation ecosystem. Notably, Teva, a major global corporation, recently introduced its own innovation program, which offers full funding for startup pilots. This development may influence how startups evaluate the relative advantages of ADR’s mentorship and real-world testing environment against the financial incentives provided by Teva. Industry analysts suggest that such competitive pressures could encourage other airport operators and corporate partners to enhance their support frameworks or adopt similar funding models to attract leading startup talent.
Nonetheless, ADR’s Call4Startups remains a pivotal element of its broader innovation strategy. The initiative is designed to foster co-development of new solutions, enable direct experimentation, and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration. Through these efforts, ADR aims to accelerate the evolution of its airport system into an open, international model prioritising operational efficiency, sustainability, and improved passenger services.

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