8–10 September 2026
Dallas, Texas
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Are you the next FTE Startup Idol?

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The FTE Startup Idol 2022 competition has concluded. To stay informed about the latest FTE Global event, please find more information by clicking clicking here


Future Travel Experience (FTE) is excited to announce the launch of FTE Startup Idol 2022 – a brand-new competition delivered with the official support of JetBlue Technology Ventures, which will provide a global platform to the most innovative startups in the aviation industry.

A total of 15 early-stage, high-potential startups will be invited to pitch to an audience of industry decision-makers at FTE Global 2022 (6-9 September, Las Vegas), with one being crowned the overall winner at the FTE Global Awards ceremony.

The FTE Startup Idol competition focuses on three of the most pertinent air transport industry topics:

  • Sustainability
  • Automation & Workforce
  • Digital Identity & Security

If you have a product, service or concept that can help to deliver significant improvements in any of these three areas, submit your application by 31 July to be in with a chance to pitch in Las Vegas. The 15 successful startups will each receive one complimentary all-access delegate pass for FTE Global 2022, 6-9 September, ARIA Resort & Casino, Las Vegas.

Please note, the FTE Startup Idol submission process is now closed. Interested in exhibiting at FTE Global? Contact us here.

FTE Startup-Idol

Eligibility:

In order to qualify for this competition, startup companies must have been founded no more than five years ago (2017 onwards) and have reached Series A funding or earlier.


Timeline:

  • 6 July – FTE Startup Idol initiative launches
  • 31 July – Submission process closes
  • 1 August – Judging process commences
  • 8 August – FTE informs the 15 successful startups that they are invited to pitch at FTE Global
  • 6/7 September – FTE Startup Idol semi-finals take place at FTE Global (each startup to deliver a five-minute pitch). The judging panel will then select one startup from each category to advance to the final.
  • 8 September – FTE Startup Idol final takes place (each startup to deliver a five-minute pitch). The overall winner will be selected by an audience vote and presented with the FTE Startup Idol trophy at the FTE Global Awards ceremony.

Please note, the FTE Startup Idol submission process is now closed. Interested in exhibiting at FTE Global? Contact us here.

FTE GLOBAL 2026

Ready to join the industry's most influential innovation event?

Join airlines, airports, vendors, startups and industry leaders in Dallas for three days of networking, learning and business opportunities.

Created with the support of the FTE Advisory Board

Event Partners and Sponsors

Vital Event Information

Future Travel Experience Global 2026 will bring together airlines, airports, government agencies, vendors, startups, terminal designers, architects, ground handlers, destination partners, and other key travel industry stakeholders to collaborate and be inspired to transform passenger experience, business performance, and sustainability strategies.

FTE Global 2026 Logo
Event:
Future Travel Experience Global 2026
Date:
September 2026
Location:
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas, United States

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