The Entaliq programme challenges the nation’s young innovators to develop creative ideas to advance the aviation industry.
Airbus, in partnership with TAQNIA Aeronautics and Saudi Arabian Airlines, has launched the second edition of the aviation innovation challenge, Entaliq.
Started in September 2016, the initiative represents a nationwide hunt for the most talented creative minds in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), challenging them to advance the national aviation sector by innovating solutions to current industry challenges. The programme is specifically tailored to inspire and support entrepreneurs who have an idea or business model in the start-up phase.
“We are delighted to launch the second edition of Entaliq in KSA,” said Fouad Attar, Head of Airbus Commercial Africa and Middle East.
“Innovation is entwined with Airbus’ DNA and we are always considering new ways to further improve and enhance our industry. If you have a good idea, whether it’s big or small, we want to hear from you.”
He added: “Airbus is committed to working with its partners in KSA to inspire and support the nation’s young generation to support the supply chain of the industry in the country. This programme provides the most talented entrepreneurs in KSA with exposure to the industry’s greatest minds to enable them to pursue their goals. We look forward to helping the gifted people of this nation to turn their pioneering ideas into reality once again.”
Diversifying the economy
Gen. Ali Alghamdi, CEO of TAQNIA Aeronautics, commented: “As the KSA continues to diversify its economy in line with Vision 2030, innovation has never been more important. We are delighted to once again join our strategic partners to develop an ecosystem in the KSA that supports knowledge transfer, innovative technology and related aviation disciplines. We were extremely impressed by the high standard of applications and capabilities of Saudi talents in last year’s challenge and we look forward to guiding and cultivating this year’s applicants, on what is sure to be another successful edition of the Entaliq program.”
Mr. Abdulrahman Altayeb, Vice President Corporate Communications, at Saudi Arabian Airlines, said: “We are delighted to welcome the second edition of the Entaliq program. Many of the concepts presented in last year’s competition had the potential to make important developments to the aviation industry and we look forward to receiving more innovative ideas from the talented entrepreneurs of Saudi Arabia.”
How it works
The programme consists of several webinars and workshops to assist applicants with their innovations across a number of science and technology disciplines. The top ten candidates will receive mentoring sessions over a period of two weeks with some of the most renowned experts and professionals in the fields of aeronautics and aerospace.
Each of the final three finalists will receive an incubation opportunity with incubating partners of the programme, Rockwell Collins, Altran and Qotuf, to convert their ideas into reality and Airbus will support the process through its industrialisation facilities.
The top three candidates from the second edition of Entaliq will be announced during an awards ceremony in June, 2018.
