Active CHALLENGES
Challenge yourself with Airport Innovation Runway
We foresee a future where innovative, sustainable, and accessible energy revolutionises the aviation industry, and we are eager to collaborate with solution providers to bring this vision to life.
Solutions to increase passenger waste separation at our airports.
Closed for applications
Royal Schiphol Group (RSG) aims to operate the world’s most sustainable airports. One of our current challenges is managing passenger waste in the terminal. We recognize that the separation of residual waste can be improved – and we are actively scanning the market for the best possible solutions; if you can help us we want to hear from you!
How might we use EV chargers for load balancing?
No Longer Accepting Applications
Royal Schiphol Group aims to operate the most sustainable and high-quality airports in the world. With increasing demand on energy infrastructure it is critical that we support a flexible and even distribution of electricity across the grid, preventing overloading in specific areas and ensuring a stable power supply. Royal Schiphol Group see it as our societal responsibility to take a leading role in this. Therefore we are looking for BSPs, BRPs, CSPs and other market players who can help us turn our EV chargers into load balancing assets.
Autonomous aircraft-to-ground power (GPUs) connections
No Longer Accepting Applications
Are you an expert in building autonomous solutions, robotics, or computer vision? Schiphol is looking for an autonomous solution capable of connecting the aircraft into ground power (both mobile and fixed power) when it is parked d, and removing the power plug from the aircraft prior to take off. Successfully addressing this challenge would have a direct positive impact on ground staff H&S and operational efficiency, making it a high priority for Schiphol Group.
Autonomous wheelchairs
March 2nd 2025
After overwhelmingly positive responses from actual users during our Proof of Concept, we are now exploring the possibilities for launching a tender for autonomous wheelchairs to enhance our services for passengers with remote mobility at Schiphol.
the program
We aim to fast-track open innovation through Airport Innovation Runway
A program where collaboration isn't just a buzzword, but a catalyst for change.
The Program
The airport industry is facing challenges on all fronts. To accelerate change, the Schiphol Innovation Hub offers a program that fast-tracks innovation: Runway. Airport Innovation Runway is a hands-on initiative that helps challenge owners from Schiphol’s most pressing issues with solutions from the most promising startups, scale-ups and established companies.
For Solution Providers
We’re thrilled to introduce our new Open Innovation Program, an opportunity for startups and technology providers to collaborate with airports in solving challenges across our various business units. We believe that true innovation is a collective effort, and we invite external parties to join us in this exciting journey.
For Challenge Owners
The Runway program provides guidance for challenge owners across the business. Through a structured innovation framework, we proactively identify and invite external parties to address business challenges quickly, aiming to validate the feasibility of a proof of concept that can be further developed.
how it works
The AIR Innovation Process
We use a proven process to break down challenges, validate potential approaches, evaluate solution providers and identify promising solutions in a controlled environment.
Challenge Launched
Challenge is published and open for solution providers to submit applications, proposals and RFI
Application Selection
Solutions will be reviewed against different selection criteria
Pitch + Q&A Session
Solution providers discuss their solutions directly with the challenge owners and key decision makers at Schiphol
Collaboration shaping
Selected solution providers define terms, budget and roadmap for a Proof of Concept process.
Proof of concept
Corporates and Solution 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.