For the second consecutive year, Airports Council International (ACI) is proud to present the World Business Partner Innovation Showcase, an opportunity to spotlight the airport community’s most transformative ideas and solutions on a global stage.
The Showcase will take place during Airports Innovate, held from 23 to 25 November 2026, in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain.
Under the theme “Best Available Innovation at an Airport” this initiative will highlight both pilot projects and fully implemented innovations that are shaping the future of airports. Ten finalists will be selected and invited to present their solutions to an international audience at Airport Innovate. Each finalist will also receive two complimentary registrations to attend the event.
The World Business Partner Innovation Showcase is an initiative of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, ACI EUROPE, and ACI World.
2026 World Business Partner Innovation Showcase
Admissibility and Evaluation
Submissions for the 2026 World Business Partner Innovation Showcase will be open until 31 May 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
Admissibility
This call is open to all of ACI’s World Business Partners (WBPs).
For innovators beyond our community, we encourage you to step forward and apply. Selected finalists will need to join ACI’s WBP community to present their groundbreaking initiative at Airports Innovate.
To be eligible, your innovation must have been implemented at an airport between January 2025 and May 2026.
By submitting an entry, the participant agrees that all entries become ACI property for promotional purposes.
ACI reserves the right to exclude a submission should the information provided be insufficient or the submission requirements not met.
Evaluation criteria
A clarity of vision: Is the innovation’s impact clearly and concisely presented?
Meaningful impact: How significantly does it improve the airport experience or operational efficiency?
True originality: What makes this idea stand apart?
Ease of integration: How readily can it be adopted and scaled?
Intelligent investment: What is the value proposition and potential return?
Evaluation Committee of Experts
A committee composed of independent industry experts, with a strong knowledge and interest in technology, innovation and industry transformation will evaluate the submissions. There will be no current ACI employees within the committee.
Finalists of 2025 World Business Partner Innovation Showcase
Real-Time Airport Flow Intelligence by ARC
Real-time passenger flow prediction is transforming airport operations at hubs like Delhi and Amsterdam, cutting wait time and elevating airport experience.
The Future of Fleet Data Communication by RDC Aviation
Over 200 airports have automated fleet data exchange with LOOP, eliminating manual errors and streamlining billing and operations.
Scalable Innovation for Smarter Airports by NACO
NACO’s practical digital twin solutions enhance airport efficiency, safety, and decision-making through live data integration.
Transforming Airport Innovation with Responsible AI by ThinkGov
Airports can adopt AI responsibly with ThinkGov’s governance platform ensuring ethical, compliant, and trusted AI systems.
Revolutionizing Air Cargo Container Screening by Nuctech
Next-generation CT scanning that screens full air cargo containers in real time, enhancing security and speeding up operations.
Redefining Excellence in Ground Handling with VR by Draxon
Revolutionizing ground handling training with Virtual Reality—immersive, measurable, and more effective than traditional methods.
AI-Powered Robotics for Safer, Smarter Airside Operations by Roboxi
Roboxi’s AI-driven autonomous robots are transforming airside safety and efficiency through intelligent FOD detection, inspections, and perimeter control.
Biometrics for Bags: Reinventing Baggage Identification with AI by Idemia
Idemia’s ALIX™ uses AI “biometrics for bags” to identify luggage by image alone—cutting mishandling, delays, and repatriation time at airports like Paris-CDG.
Driving Strong Safety Culture by Safe365
Safe365 helps airports like Heathrow and Hamad build stronger safety cultures through data-driven insights and behavioral science.
Elevating Airport Cybersecurity by Ethiack
AI pentesting and human insights can re-define airport cyber resilience.