Singapore - The Innovation Hangar competition, which challenges bright young minds to develop revolutionary solutions to aviation and aerospace challenges, is back. Initially launched in 2020, the biennial challenge has expanded its themes this year, offering participants the option to compete in the Space, Sustainability, or Urban Air Mobility categories. In addition, the competition is open to young people from around the world. All are highly encouraged to join.

The six-month challenge will see teams of 3 to 5 individuals choosing a business plan, technology product, mobile application, service platform, or other ideas that they believe have the potential to transform the aviation and aerospace industry. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will offer several virtual information sessions to introduce each category and answer questions from participants. Semifinalists will receive one-on-one mentoring from Embry-Riddle faculty, who will help them prepare their project for the final round of judging. A distinguished panel of judges including industry leaders, subject matter experts and Embry-Riddle faculty will award prizes to the top three teams.

The global competition is open to youths aged 15 to 21 with ideas to revolutionize the aviation and aerospace industry.

"Innovation Hangar is one of the year's highlights for me," said Matthew Flaherty, vice chancellor and head of Asia at Embry-Riddle Asia. "The ideas that participants put forward truly have the ability to change the world, and to have these ideas at such a young age, is truly inspiring."

Experia partnered with Embry-Riddle earlier this year to provide a platform to promote the Innovation Hangar 2024 Challenge to industry. The competition was officially launched during this week's Rotorcraft Asia and Unmanned Systems Asia 2023, Asia's only integrated showcase for mobility innovation across air, land and sea. The competition will conclude with an awards ceremony at the 2024 Singapore Airshow, Asia's most influential airshow.

“Nurturing the growth and development of a robust talent pool for the aerospace industries is key to the Singapore Airshow’s mission,” said Mr Leck Chet Lam, managing director, Experia, the organiser of Singapore Airshow. “By providing talented youth with opportunities and mentorship, we secure the future of the industry and its continued growth and success. We are grateful for the partnership of Embry-Riddle, which shares our commitment to cultivate the next generation of talent.”

Prizes for the top three teams range from an opportunity to attend the 2024 Singapore Airshow, to Embry-Riddle scholarships, 3D virtual reality goggles and remote-control quadcopters.

Applications open on 5 June 2024. To learn more about Innovation Hangar 2024 Challenge, contact us at wwhangar@erau.edu.