Through the ADR Call4Startups 2026, selected companies will spend the next eight months developing and testing their solutions directly at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. The real-world environment provides an immediate proving ground for technologies that will support operational efficiency and enhance the passenger experience. The Innovation Cabin Crew, a multidisciplinary group of 25 ADR professionals, will mentor each team and guide the integration of advanced technologies into airport processes.
Emanuele Calà, Senior Vice President of Transformation & Technology at Aeroporti di Roma and Managing Director of ADR Ventures, emphasized the strategic ambition behind this year’s programme. He said: “The launch of the fourth edition of the Runway to The Future programme confirms our commitment to accelerate the transformation of our airport into a true smart city. The selected startups will implement solutions ranging from automation to artificial intelligence, working closely with the Innovation Cabin Crew inside the Innovation Hub, strengthening Fiumicino’s role as a global trialling platform.”
During the 3 December kick-off event, startups introduced a wide array of technological innovations spanning artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and active noise reduction. Among the standout concepts were an autonomous robot designed for sanitizing environments and surfaces; an intelligent system for digitalizing inspections and maintenance; an automated baggage-handling machine; and a real-time construction-progress monitoring platform. The event also incorporated working groups, networking opportunities, and direct exchanges between startups and ADR partners to jointly shape the airport of tomorrow.
The ADR Call4Startups 2026 is an integral part of the company’s broader innovation strategy, which aims to co-create solutions with global partners, accelerate experimentation, and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration. The long-term goal is to evolve the Italian airport system into an open, international model that boosts operational efficiency, strengthens sustainability, and responds more effectively to passenger needs.
With its growing ecosystem and strategic vision, ADR continues to position Rome Fiumicino as a leading global testbed for aviation-sector innovation.
