Candace Widdoes, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, describes the work of Plug and Play Tech Center.
Lufthansa Innovation Hub has announced a partnership with Plug and Play, a Silicon Valley based start-up accelerator, as it steps up its global search for start-ups that have the potential to improve tomorrow’s travel experience.
Plug and Play this year launched its first “Travel & Hospitality” programme with the objective of identifying and promoting innovative technologies and digital business ideas along the entire travel chain. Over the course of a 12-week mentoring programme, 20 to 30 selected start-ups will receive support for the further development of their business models.
They will also make contact with companies in order to talk about partnerships and joint projects, as well as investment. For the programme, a broad network has been forged from start-ups and corporate partners alongside Lufthansa, including Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Panasonic Avionics and Michelin Travel & Lifestyle.
Sebastian Herzog, Leading Strategist, Lufthansa Innovation Hub, said: “Those who consider travelling as a whole and are looking for the best customer solutions, must open up to the ecosystem of innovative solutions and position themselves as a strong partner. For us at the Lufthansa Innovation Hub, this is exactly our role, and with Plug and Play we now have another strategic partner who is bringing us closer to the hotspots of international innovations within the travel sector.”
Saeed Amidi, CEO and Founder of Plug & Play Tech Center, which boasts more than 350 start-ups and 300 corporate partners, commented: “We are delighted to have Lufthansa on board with our Accelerator programme, “Travel & Hospitality”. If nothing else, the programme benefits from a multifaceted network of partners who will help shape the future of travelling.
“As one of the most renowned airlines worldwide, Lufthansa, as well as the Lufthansa Innovation Hub team with their strong entrepreneurial spirit and understanding of innovative travel products, will jointly bring along a crucial and exciting perspective to travel. We look forward to a thrilling exchange and interesting stimuli for both sides.”
