FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Calgary, AB – March 10, 2025 – Innovate Calgary’s Aerospace Innovation Hub, in partnership with The Calgary Airport Authority (The Authority) and WestJet, is excited to announce the launch of the Soaring Higher Innovation Challenge, a global call for innovative solutions to elevate the guest experience in air travel. This unique competition invites startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with game-changing technologies that improve the guest experience across various touchpoints, from booking to post-arrival services.
The Soaring Higher Challenge focuses on three key areas:
- Seamless Booking, Check-In and Airport Experience: Solutions that streamline the booking and check-in process, including those with multiple airlines bookings, making it faster, easier, and more user-friendly across all platforms (website, mobile app, kiosks) and creating an expedited and enhanced airport experience from curb to gate.
- Streamlined Baggage Handling: Solutions that improve baggage handling efficiency, minimizing lost or delayed luggage and increasing passenger peace of mind (e.g., real-time baggage tracking, assured priority baggage delivery, automated baggage sorting systems, increased scanning compliance, baggage delivery to destination (e.g., hotel).
- Disruptive Solutions: An open category for unconventional or novel solutions that could impact the aviation and travel sectors in unexpected or significant ways.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with YYC and WestJet to invite innovators from around the world to help solve some of the most pressing challenges in the air travel industry,” said John Wilson, President & CEO, Innovate Calgary. “This initiative is designed to foster creative solutions that not only enhance the guest experience but also shape the future of travel.”
What Winners Receive
Up to three winning companies will receive:
- A complimentary membership to Innovate Calgary’s Aerospace Innovation Hub, providing access to cutting-edge resources and expertise, including access to specialized lab equipment, co-working and events space, startup support services, exclusive discounts and venture development programming.
- Mentorship from industry leaders at WestJet, The Authority, and Innovate Calgary.
- Opportunities to validate and test their solutions with access to operational facilities and data from The Authority and WestJet.
- Networking opportunities with potential customers, investors, and industry partners.
“With 28 years of experience and an entrepreneurial spirit, WestJet is ready to support successful applicants with mentorship, feedback and access to exceptional subject matter experts through the Soaring Higher Innovation Challenge,” said Christian Novosel, Chief Digital Officer at WestJet. “We remain committed to fostering bold new ideas in the aerospace industry, with a focus on improving the overall guest experience and establishing Calgary, our global hub, as a global leader in aerospace innovation.”
“At The Calgary Airport Authority, we’re always looking for ways to make the travel experience smoother, more enjoyable and truly memorable for our guests — and we know we can’t do it alone,” says President and CEO of The Authority, Chris Dinsdale. “Innovators bring fresh perspectives and bold ideas that can help us tackle challenges in new ways, which is why we’re thrilled to support the Soaring Higher Innovation Challenge with Innovate Calgary and WestJet.”
“The Soaring Higher Innovation Challenge is a powerful opportunity to explore how emerging technologies can streamline our operations, optimize efficiency and transform the guest experience,” says Megan Gupton, Chief Information Officer of The Authority. “We’re proud to partner with Innovate Calgary and WestJet to give startups and SMEs the resources, mentorship and real-world opportunities they need to make a lasting impact on our industry and our guests.”
How to Apply
The Soaring Higher Challenge is open to all startups and SMEs worldwide with fewer than 100 employees and annual revenues not exceeding one million Canadian dollars. Companies must be incorporated in Canada within one month of being selected as a winner.
Applications are open now and can be submitted via the Innovate Calgary website. The deadline for submissions is April 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM MST (GMT-7).
For more information about the challenge, including terms and conditions, and to apply, visit:
About Innovate Calgary
Innovate Calgary is the innovation transfer and business incubator centre for the University of Calgary. Working closely with researchers, students, faculty and staff, Innovate Calgary helps bridge the gap between discovery and innovation. From ideation to commercialization, Innovate Calgary has successfully supported the innovation-driven research community for 32 years.
Innovate Calgary’s Aerospace Innovation Hub, in collaboration with the University of Calgary, offers incubation space, equipment, accelerator programming, and a community for companies developing the next generation of technologies for the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors.
About The Calgary Airport Authority (The Authority)
The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Regional Airports Authorities Act of Alberta. The Authority is responsible for the management, operation and development of YYC Calgary International Airport and Springbank Airport. The Authority’s commitment to safety remains a top priority. Our airports are important economic generators for the city, region and province, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in GDP through associated economic activity. The Authority was also recognized as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2024.
About WestJet
In 28 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 14,000 employees, 200 aircraft, and more than 100 destinations in 25 countries.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Megan Geyer
Director, Marketing and Communications
Innovate Calgary
Email: mgeyer@innovatecalgary.com