Innovation to Improve the Passenger Experience at Miami International Airport
Public Innovation Challenge No. 2
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and Florida, generating annual business revenue of $31.9 billion. MIA is one of the world’s most pioneering airports in enhancing the passenger journey for all passengers. For example, the airport’s myMIAccess initiative provides passengers with a dedicated online platform to access accessibility services and amenities. Additionally, to meet Miami-Dade County’s Climate Action Strategy, MIA is undertaking the largest energy conservation project ever in the State of Florida and one of the largest in the eastern United States.
In collaboration with Miami International Airport and Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (“MDIA”) seeks early-to-growth stage startup companies with innovative solutions that can improve the passenger experience at Miami International Airport with a focus on accessibility, navigation, and sustainability.
Challenge Winners
Challenge Finalists
Why Improve the Airport Passenger Experience?
We believe every airline passenger deserves an opportunity to experience ease and joy while traveling. MIA moves millions of passengers annually, totaling 50.7 million in 2022, and is projected to reach 77 million by 2040. To meet passengers’ evolving needs and anticipated growth in transiting passengers, MDIA seeks to identify, invest in and collaborate with innovators from across the globe to test and validate solutions that support a more seamless and enjoyable airport experience for all Miami International Airport passengers.
Enhanced accessibility amenities and services, coupled with efficient wayfinding within airports have the capacity to foster a travel environment that is welcoming to all. What’s more, sustainable practices, such as comprehensive recycling programs, enable airports to empower passengers with the resources to minimize their individual environmental impact while they fly.
What Qualifies As A Responsive Technology or Innovative Solution?
This Public Innovation Challenge seeks solutions in the following categories:
Accessibility
Assistive technologies, including those built to improve the passenger experience for those with reduced mobility, and travelers with different physical and hidden disabilities, such as travelers who are neurodivergent, and/or who experience mental health conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Navigation
Wayfinding solutions that allow passengers to navigate the airport more effectively and seamlessly. Solutions may include technologies such as digital displays, virtual reality maps, omnichannel support and chat including artificial intelligence, navigation instructions in various languages including sign language, and many more.
Sustainability
Recycling solutions ranging from AI-enabled and autonomous recycling onsite, signage and support for distinguishing recyclable materials from trash, automatic waste data collection, solutions to reduce single-use plastics and waste through promoting consumer behavior change, and incentivizing reuse and recycling
How Does the Public Innovation Challenge Work?
Apply to submit your solution for an opportunity to receive a $100,000 equity investment and to pilot your solution. The selected companies will enter into a pilot agreement with Miami International Airport.
Your company should have a functioning product that is ready to be piloted in a commercial market setting.
Your company should be legally registered and compliant with all relevant regulations and laws in your respective jurisdictions.
We evaluate each application thoroughly through a multi-stage process involving subject matter experts and an investor-led selection committee. We generally consider factors such as the level of innovation, feasibility of the proposed solution, potential for sustainable impact, financial stability as well as diversity, equity and inclusion with regard to the executive or management team.
Check out our FAQs to learn more about eligibility criteria, key deadlines, requirements, and other important information.
Airport Experience Challenge Timeline
Final Application Deadline: Monday, January 29, 2024
About MDIA
Miami-Dade Innovation Authority bridges the gap between private innovators and the public sector to fast-track innovation that improves quality of life for residents. Through our signature Public Innovation Challenge, we identify, invest in and support early-to-growth stage companies from across the globe to pilot, test and validate their technology and solutions to pressing public challenges in collaboration with the economic engines within Miami-Dade County.