Hamad International Airport (HIA), a leading global aviation hub, is seeking innovative solutions to address the complexities of passenger journeys managed by multiple siloed systems. The initiative calls for the development of a unified, predictive movement intelligence platform to provide real-time, airport-wide visibility into passenger and staff movement. The goal is to leverage existing data sources to create a comprehensive understanding of flows, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and the overall airport experience.
Challenge Statement
• The core challenge is to accurately track and analyze passenger and staff movement throughout the airport journey, from arrival to departure, without depending on extensive new hardware installations.
• Solution providers are invited to develop an integrated, real-time movement intelligence platform that unifies flow data from existing systems such as Wi-Fi logs, XOVIS sensors, and AODB.
• The proposed solution should incorporate advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and intuitive visual dashboards to deliver actionable insights on bottlenecks, dwell times, congestion points, and cross-zonal movement.
• While leveraging existing systems is preferred, proposals for new, suitable, and innovative technology will also be evaluated.
Opportunities and Incentives
• Funding: Receive up to USD 100,000 in cash contributions from QRDI for solution development.
• Collaboration: Work directly with one of the world’s top airports on a high-impact operational challenge.
• Access to Resources: Gain access to operational datasets, trial environments, airport systems, and the pilot site(s).
• Expert Support: Receive mentorship, subject-matter expertise, and project management support.
• Showcase Opportunity: Demonstrate capabilities in AI, analytics, and data integration on a global scale.
• Commercial Potential: Explore opportunities for commercial deployment within HIA and potentially beyond.
Timeline and Key Dates
• Application Phase (January 5th - April 5th, 2026): Startups and SMEs with TRL 5+ can sign up, complete the participation form, and submit a proposal deck. A webinar with HIA and QRDI for details and a Q&A session will be held on January 27th, 2026. The registration deadline is April 5th, 2026.
• Shortlisting Phase (April 2026): HIA and QRDI will review all proposals and identify potential solution providers for collaboration. Shortlisted innovators will be notified during this period.
• Clarification Phase (May - June 2026): Shortlisted innovators will have the opportunity to connect directly with HIA teams for further discussions, clarifications, and evaluation.
• Final Announcement (July - August 2026): The final announcement of matched innovators will be made on the platform by August 2026.
This initiative presents a significant opportunity for innovators to contribute to the next generation of smart airport operations. By developing a real-time, integrated movement intelligence solution, participants can help shape the future of global aviation and enhance the passenger experience at a world-class facility.