Miami-Dade County is turning to technology companies to help improve the airport experience for passengers and staff.
The Miami-Dade Innovation Authority is seeking applications from startups for its second Public Innovation Challenge. Created by the office of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the nonprofit was created to invest in companies focused on solving problems in areas that affect the daily lives of local residents.
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One of those problems is Miami International Airport.
The Innovation Authority will award $100,000 in funding to three early-to-growth stage startups that can improve the airport's accessibility, navigation and sustainability.
"By prioritizing the airport experience, we pave the way for improved connectivity and equitable accessibility, fostering a more vibrant and interconnected community," said Leigh-Ann Buchanan, president and CEO of the MDIA.
Accessibility solutions could include assistive technologies that can help passengers with physical disabilities or mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. For navigation, the MDIA is seeking proposals for digital displays, virtual reality maps or chat programs that can help people get around the airport more efficiently. The nonprofit also aims to reduce the airport's environmental impact with the help of automated recycling systems and solutions to reduce single-use plastic waste.
In addition to the six-figure investments, selected companies will participate in a product testing program with MIA to test its solutions.
In a statement, Cava said the airport is one of the county's largest employers and indirectly supports a quarter of all local jobs.
"MIA’s success impacts the livelihoods of local residents and businesses more than any other asset in our community,” she added. "This Public Innovation Challenge will further our mission to unlock MIA’s full potential."
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The Innovation Authority will accept proposals from local and global technology startups until Jan. 19, 2024.
Launched this year with seed funding from Miami-Dade County, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Citadel Founder and CEO Ken Griffin, the MDIA was founded with $9 million to support three innovation challengers per year. It's first challenge focused on finding sustainable uses for sargassum, a type of seaweed that tends to accumulate on Florida beaches from April to October.
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