Bengaluru Kempegowda and Amazon to set up Joint Innovation Centre

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport today revealed that it is working with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to establish a Joint Innovation Centre (JIC) that it hopes will drive the development and adoption of digital solutions in aviation.

According to Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the JIC will also enable start-ups to accelerate innovation in aviation, smart infrastructure, utilities, and mobility by providing comprehensive programme offerings and a technical platform that help customers innovate quickly utilising AWS technology.

This is the first JIC by AWS – an Amazon company – established outside of China and the first to be dedicated to advancing the aviation industry.

The JIC is expected to open at Kempegowda later this year, and according to BIAL “will focus on driving digital innovation for the airport, enhancing passenger experience, and creating positive impact for the community where the airport operates”.

BIAL adds: “It will help strengthen BIAL’s digital roadmap and develop custom solutions for Kempegowda using a combination of technologies including: cloud computing, Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), analytics, machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR).

“The JIC will support BIAL’s intent to be at the forefront of technology innovation in India’s commercial aviation, and create a digitised and intuitive airport for travellers.

“It will focus on developing technology solutions to enhance the passenger experience across retail, dining, and entertainment at the airport, and achieving operational efficiencies for BIAL. Once implemented, these efficiencies can be scaled to other airports in India and globally.”

As part of the launch of the JIC, BIAL will also deploy Startup Valley, a startup accelerator programme that will offer an open innovation opportunity for startups to build and accelerate digital solutions in the aviation industry, airport cities and related domains.

“We are thrilled to extend our relationship with AWS to power two of our important focus areas – strengthen our digital roadmap towards making Bengaluru Kempegowda the best destination airport for travellers by leveraging the power of cloud computing and digital technologies, and create an environment for startups to innovate and advance in aviation and related domains,” said Hari Marar, managing director and CEO of BIAL.

“The new Joint Innovation Center between BIAL and AWS will enable us to develop modular, scalable, innovative digital solutions that can benefit all stakeholders in the aviation domain and help reimagine air travel in India.”