Airbus : Foundation and Airbus BizLab seek innovative concepts for humanitarian challenges

The Airbus Foundation and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are calling upon social entrepreneurs to develop innovative ideas that would provide technical solutions to humanitarian challenges. These would use technologies such as the Internet of Things, data analytics, blockchain, and virtual and augmented reality.

The projects will be hosted by the Airbus BizLab business accelerator, which performs an important 'facilitator' role for start-ups by providing a six month acceleration programme and free hosting. During the programme, the Airbus Foundation and IFRC will also support the BizLab to meet the needs of social entrepreneurs, facilitating their access to key stakeholders and innovation specialists within the humanitarian community.

'We're constantly amazed at some of the innovative solutions that people across the Red Cross and Red Crescent network are developing in response to the challenges they face in their own communities, ' said Andrea Debbane. 'We are happy to be able to support a number of these innovations. When we look at the scale of humanitarian suffering around the world, it's clear that new ideas, new approaches, new ways of thinking are needed. That's what this initiative is about.'

Throughout the programme, start-ups will have access to a large number of Airbus experts and mentors in various domains, as well as a Demo Day with decision makers, venture capitalists, Airbus customers and partners. This year's call for projects also allows start-ups to decide where they would like to be hosted, either in Hamburg or Toulouse.

Project proposals can be submitted from now until 23 July, 2017 via the F6S start-up platform: https://www.f6s.com/airbusbizlabcallforprojects/apply Pitching sessions will occur in Hamburg and Toulouse on 29 August and 5 September respectively.

About the Airbus Foundation

The Airbus Foundation, chaired by Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus, includes Airbus, Airbus Helicopters and Airbus Defence and Space as founding and contributing members. It is the company's vehicle for corporate philanthropy, using the group's resources, aeronautic and space products, competencies, diverse workforce and culture for driving innovation to address societal issues. In particular, the Foundation supports the global humanitarian community and inspires and prepares young people for the challenges of tomorrow. Since its launch in December 2008, the Airbus Foundation has facilitated more than 50 relief or goodwill flights to numerous destinations around the globe. More information can be found at www.airbusgroup.com/foundation. Follow us on Twitter: @AirbusFdn