Airlines JetBlue and El Al have jointly launched an accelerator called Navigator which will support startups developing aviation and travel technology.
US-based JetBlue is participating in the initiative through its corporate venturing unit, JetBlue Technology Ventures, while Israel-headquartered El Al is being represented by its innovation centre, Cockpit Innovation Hub.
Navigator will provide funding and office space for aviation and travel startups from all over the world, as well as hands-on mentoring for sales and marketing, technology and legal issues, and real-time testing facilities.
Participants will spend three months in Israel and one in Silicon Valley before presenting their offerings to figures in the aviation industry. Some will also receive mentoring and work space for eight more months with a view to formalising strategic partnerships.
Henry Chen Weinstein, CEO of Cockpit Innovation Hub, said: “Collaboration is an innovation catalyst – bridging Tel Aviv and Silicon Valley, two of the leading startup hubs on earth through Cockpit and JetBlue Technology Ventures is the next step in harnessing the power of innovation for the future of the Air Travel industry.
“The Navigator program is the first of its kind, incubating startups focused on travel and aviation by the industry itself, creating a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs.”
Bonny Simi, president of JetBlue Technology Ventures, added: “By combining a wealth of aviation and technology expertise with actual platforms and connections to incubate ideas within the airline industry, we are perfectly positioned to directly help startups shape the future of the travel.”
– Photo courtesy of JetBlue Airways