Israel Airports Authority Selects Startups for Ben Gurion AI Program

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) announced the winners of the Runway 26 innovation program, which invited 42 startups to develop their technologies within Ben Gurion International Airport. Amid the current security climate, most participating companies focused on AI-driven security, safety, and operational efficiency solutions.

For the security category, Corsight AI won with its facial scanning and recognition technology. The system, previously utilized by the IDF following the events of October 7 to locate hostages and suspects in Gaza, is designed to spot individuals within large crowds. The IAA plans to test the technology for operational needs, such as locating lost children or suspicious items.

In the safety sector, Airvrix secured a win by developing a system that integrates real-time protocols and reports for aviation debriefings. The platform compares operational tasks against actual flight data, such as altitude and pilot performance, to help prevent potential incidents.

Salvador Technologies won the cyber category with an air-gapped backup and cyber recovery solution. Designed to instantly replicate critical infrastructure systems during a cyberattack, the technology aims to safeguard the primary aviation hub against disruptions similar to those recently experienced at airports in the United Kingdom.