The Lufthansa Innovation Hub (LIH) in collaboration with SAP.iO have launched the first ever Global Aviation Blockchain Challenge. The challenge is geared towards exploring the potential opportunities in blockchain technologies as well as ways of how the aviation industry can adopt the revolutionary technology. Both firms are enthusiastic that the Travel and Mobility tech scene can attract blockchain entrepreneurs by providing the perfect environment to ‘ideate and experiment with new business models’.

The announcement was made public via the official website of the Aviation Blockchain Challenge. Entrepreneurs will have access to the Lufthansa innovation ecosystem and access to SAP blockchain assets. There will also be a mentorship program to further push new ideas to the spotlight of relevant decision makers.

Thorsten Dirks, the CEO of Eurowings and a Board member of the Lufthansa Group is quoted as saying that:

Blockchain is one of the game-changing technologies of our time, which we are systematically addressing as part of our digital strategy for the Lufthansa Group…By combining our aviation industry expertise with the Blockchain technology of [SAP], we are creating the ideal worldwide framework for addressing Blockchain entrepreneurs with an affinity for travel and mobility.

Similar sentiments were echoed by the Chief Strategic Officer and Executive V.P of SAP, Deepak Krishnamurthy:

SAP is excited to partner with Lufthansa on this exciting startup challenge to reinvent the traveler experience, airline operations and supply chain with Blockchain. With our industry leading SAP Leonardo Blockchain platform and Lufthansa’s market leadership and expertise in Aviation, we can foster a new innovation ecosystem that can potentially transform the entire travel industry.

The Aviation Blockchain Challenge is divided into three categories:

Airline Challenge Traveler Challenge Supplier Challenge

The submission of ideas is ongoing up until the 31st of August, 2018.

The two firms have further added the following incentives to attract the best of the best blockchain entrepreneurs:

A Global stage for your idea including international press coverage and media awareness

Potential pilot project with Lufthansa Group

Professional mentoring for all shortlisted teams

Possibility to pitch in front of senior management

Coverage of travel expenses (up to 2500€ per team)

Finalists can get access to Blockchain-as-a-Service from SAP in order to build or improve their MVP

Office space for up to 3 months in the Berlin ecosystem – to work on your idea together with us

More information about the challenge can be obtained from the website earlier provided.