ENAIRE launches the second edition of the Business Challenges Competition in Air Traffic Management for startups

ENAIRE, Spain’s national air navigation manager, through CRIDA, its Research, Development, and Innovation (R&D&I) subsidiary in partnership with Ineco and the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), has launched the second edition of the Business Challenges Competition in Air Traffic Management.

Applications accepted until 31 May

This programme is aimed at tech startups less than five years old that offer innovative solutions to the sector's strategic challenges.

"With this acceleration programme, our goal is to drive innovation by supporting startups capable of revolutionising the air traffic sector. Through the accelerator, we promote disruptive proposals that deliver tangible value, strengthening an entrepreneurial ecosystem focused on sustainability, competitiveness, and the continuous improvement of ENAIRE and the entire industry”, says Enrique Maurer, ENAIRE's CEO.

Call for applications open

Applications are now open until 31 May 2025, and the programme is designed to attract startups capable of proposing disruptive solutions to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and safety in air traffic management.

Challenges of the competition

The challenges set out in this call include:

- How can we harness the data generated in air traffic management to develop new services?

- How can we manage the safe integration of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles into controlled airspace?

- How can we improve the efficiency of air traffic management services and processes?

Awards

The competition will award winning startups €40,000 in cash and the possibility of a subsequent service contract with ENAIRE. In addition, all selected startups will benefit from a six-month acceleration programme.

This programme includes:

- Access to ENAIRE facilities and specialised personnel to validate their technology.

- Development of a roadmap to implement a proof of concept.

- Follow-up meetings and technical support during the process.

- Access to training in entrepreneurship through a virtual campus with 24 specialised modules.

Demo Day and future opportunities

At the end of the acceleration programme, the startups will present their results on a Demo Day to be held in November 2026 in Madrid.

In addition, the winning startups may be invited to a tender process with ENAIRE to develop their services.

How to participate

Interested startups can submit their proposals through the competition's official website.

The Business Challenges Competition is part of ENAIRE's Open Innovation Programme, an ENAIRE initiative designed to promote open innovation by attracting talent and solutions from the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

About CRIDA

CRIDA is a non-profit economic interest group established by ENAIRE, the Technical University of Madrid (UPM) and Ingeniería y Economía del Transporte, S.A. (INECO) to improve the efficiency of the air traffic management system in Spain through R&D projects.

In collaboration with ENAIRE, CRIDA identifies problems, proposes innovative solutions and facilitates their implementation, contributing to the advancement of air navigation on a global scale.

About ENAIRE

ENAIRE is the air navigation service provider in Spain.

As a company of the Ministry of Sustainable Transport and Mobility, it provides air traffic control services during the en route and approach phases of all flights to and from Spain and overflights. In addition, it manages communications, navigation and surveillance services from ENAIRE in the airspace and the entire AENA airport network in Spain and provides aerodrome air traffic control services in 21 airports, including the busiest.

ENAIRE is the fourth largest European air navigation service provider, and it is a member of international partnerships A6 Alliance, SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) Joint Undertaking, SESAR Deployment Manager, iTEC, CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation) and collaborates closely with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

ENAIRE has received the highest score in Europe on the aviation safety key performance indicator for four years in a row. It has also been awarded the EFQM 600 Seal for its safe, efficient, innovative and sustainable management of air navigation services.