- TUI Futureshapers aims to empower the next generation of innovators, bringing together young entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners to accelerate ideas that will shape the future of sustainable tourism.
- The TUI Care Foundation program will organize a hackathon aimed at university talent and young innovators, focused on solving real-world challenges in the travel-tech sector.
- It will also launch an acceleration program for startups in mobility, hospitality, accommodation, and other travel-related verticals.
Wayra, Telefónica's corporate venture capital arm, is collaborating with the TUI Care Foundation and Target 8.9 to launch TUI Futureshapers, an open innovation initiative focused on driving technological solutions that contribute to more sustainable tourism. sustainable.
TUI Care Foundation and Target 8.9, powered by TUI, the world's largest integrated tourism group with more than 34 million customers in 180 countries, are expanding this successful international initiative with Spain as its new hub, one of Europe's most dynamic travel-tech markets.
Led by the TUI Care Foundation,TUI Futureshapers will feature a scouting and collaboration process with early-stage and growth-stage travel-tech startups, as well as a series of workshops and a mentoring program connecting startups, universities, investors, and other stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The program will also organize a hackathon on February 26 and 27 at Campus 42 (Telefónica Foundation) aimed at university talent and young innovators for the co-creation of technological solutions with real-world applications. The winning team of this first milestone, which will bring together 40 participants, will be eligible for a €2,000 prize and specialized mentoring to further develop their project. Candidates can register starting today at the following link: https://www.wayra.com/tui-futureshapers-programme
In addition, also during the month of February, TUI Futureshapers will launch an open call to identify technology startups developing new solutions that address the challenges of the tourism sector within the travel-tech umbrella.
The process will be geared towards startups in mobility, hospitality, accommodation, and other travel-related verticals. Of all the participants, eight startups will be selected to join a five-month acceleration program. Wayra will lead the acceleration of these projects and coordinate a mentoring program and workshops. “With TUI Futureshapers Spain, we are creating a platform that connects young talent and the tourism industry to jointly develop solutions that promote more sustainable tourism. Spain is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations and an ideal environment for open innovation. Through this program, we want to empower the next generation of innovators in the tourism sector and help turn promising ideas into solutions with a positive impact on destinations, local communities, and the entire tourism ecosystem,” says Alexander Panczuk, CEO of TUI Care Foundation. “At Wayra, we are delighted to collaborate with TUI Care Foundation in the search for and application of technological solutions that contribute to more sustainable tourism. Their work to generate opportunities in destinations and support local communities aligns naturally with our commitment to open innovation and entrepreneurial talent as a driver of transformation in the sector,” adds Andrés Saborido, COO of Wayra. Throughout the year, the program will be strengthened with networking and pitch sessions to create a national network of travel-tech startups that foster collaboration and visibility within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
About TUI Care Foundation
Building on the potential of tourism as a positive force, the TUI Care Foundation supports and drives projects that create new opportunities and contribute to the development of thriving communities in tourist destinations around the world. By connecting travelers with good causes, it supports the education and training of young people, promotes the protection of natural habitats and the marine environment, and helps local communities to prosper sustainably and benefit from tourism. The TUI Care Foundation relies on strong partnerships with local and international organizations to generate a significant and lasting impact. This independent charity was founded by TUI, one of the world's leading tourism companies, and is headquartered in the Netherlands. About Target 8.9: Target 8.9 is a global development agency powered by the TUI Care Foundation. It is dedicated to mobilizing financial and non-financial resources to generate significant and sustainable impacts in local tourism destinations, in line with target 8.9 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This specific target promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, with a particular focus on the tourism sector and the enhancement of local culture and products. The main focus of Target 8.9 is to foster inclusive economic opportunities and social development, with a strong orientation towards landscape conservation and restoration.
About Wayra
Wayra is Telefónica's Corporate Venture Capital arm. It invests in technology startups with the potential to generate innovation within the group and offers open innovation services to third parties. With a presence in Europe and Latin America, Wayra has invested over €245 million in over 1,100 startups and currently has an active portfolio of over 530, of which over 200 collaborate with Telefónica. It also promotes open initiatives through its Alaian and Open Future platforms.
More information available at www.wayra.es