- TUI Futureshapers aims to empower the next generation of innovators by bringing young entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners together to accelerate ideas that will help to shape the future of sustainable tourism.
- The TUI Care Foundation programme is organising a hackathon for university talent and young innovators, with the aim of solving real challenges in the travel technology sector.
- It will also launch an acceleration programme for start-ups in the mobility, hospitality and accommodation sectors, as well as other travel-related industries.
Wayra, the corporate venture capital arm of Telefónica, is collaborating with the TUI Care Foundation and Target 8.9 to launch TUI Futureshapers. This open innovation initiative aims to promote technological solutions that contribute to more sustainable tourism.
The TUI Care Foundation and Target 8.9 are extending their global initiative to Spain, leveraging one of Europe’s most dynamic travel-tech hubs. The move is supported by TUI Group, the world’s largest integrated tourism group with a global reach of 34 million customers in 180 countries.
Led by the TUI Care Foundation, the TUI Futureshapers programme will involve scouting and collaborating with travel-tech start-ups at the early and growth stages. It will also comprise a series of workshops and a mentoring programme to connect start-ups, universities, investors, and other players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The programme will also organise a hackathon on 26 and 27 February at Campus 42 (Fundación Telefónica), which is aimed at university students and young innovators. The event will focus on the co-creation of technological solutions with real-world applications.
The winning team of this first milestone, comprising 40 participants, will be eligible for a prize of £2,000 and specialised mentoring to help them develop their project further. Candidates can register from today onwards via the following link: https://www.wayra.com/tui-futureshapers-programme
Furthermore, TUI Futureshapers is set to launch an open call this February, seeking innovative travel-tech start-ups. The aim is to identify technology-driven solutions that address the evolving challenges facing the modern tourism industry.
The programme is tailored for start-ups across mobility, hospitality, and accommodation, as well as other travel-related sectors. From the applicants, eight start-ups will be chosen for a five-month acceleration journey. Under the guidance of Wayra, these projects will benefit from a curated schedule of expert mentoring and professional workshops.
Alexander Panczuk, Managing Director of the TUI Care Foundation, said: “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 programme, we aim to empower the next generation of tourism innovators, helping to transform promising ideas into solutions that deliver a lasting positive impact for destinations, local communities, and the wider tourism ecosystem.”
Andrés Saborido, COO of Wayra added: “At Wayra, we are delighted to be collaborating with the TUI Care Foundation to find and apply technological solutions that will make tourism more sustainable. The Foundation’s efforts to create opportunities in destinations and support local communities align perfectly with our commitment to open innovation and entrepreneurial talent as a catalyst for change in the sector.”
Throughout the year, networking and pitch sessions will be incorporated into the programme to create a national network of travel tech start-ups, promoting collaboration and visibility within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
About TUI Care Foundation
Building on the potential of tourism as a force for good, the TUI Care Foundation supports and initiates projects which create new opportunities and contribute to thriving communities in tourism destinations all over the world. Connecting holidaymakers to good causes, it supports education and training opportunities for young people; drives the protection of natural habitats and the marine environment; and helps local communities to thrive sustainably and benefit from tourism. The TUI Care Foundation builds on strong partnerships with local and international organisations to create meaningful and long-lasting impact. The independent charitable organisation was founded by TUI, one of the world’s leading tourism businesses, and is based in the Netherlands.
About Target 8.9
Target 8.9 is a global development agency initiated by TUI Care Foundation. It is dedicated to mobilising both non-financial and financial resources to implement destination initiatives that create meaningful and sustainable impacts in tourism destinations. The organisation’s activities align with target 8.9 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – this target within the SDGs aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, with an emphasis on the tourism sector and highlighting local culture and products. Target 8.9’s primary focus is on fostering inclusive economic opportunities and social development, with an emphasis on conservation and landscape restoration.
About Wayra
Wayra is Telefónica’s Corporate Venture Capital arm. It invests in technology start-ups with the potential to drive innovation within the group, while also offering open innovation services to third parties. With a presence in Europe and Latin America, Wayra has invested over £245 million in more than 1,100 start-ups, and currently has an active portfolio of over 530. More than 200 of these collaborate with Telefónica. Wayra also promotes open initiatives through its platforms, Alaian and Open Future.