Cockpit, the innovation center established by EL AL, and JetBlue Technology Ventures, the investment arm of JetBlue, today announced the launch of Navigator, an accelerator program for Israeli and international startups working in the fields of aviation and travel.

The Navigator program will include exposure to strategic partners, initial funding and ongoing close guidance for startups in all aspects of their business development. The first global innovation center of its kind, Navigator will specialize in identifying and nurturing ground-breaking technologies, and in applying their inherent potential for use in the aviation and travel industries. Navigator will also provide the startups with the potential opportunity to present and test in real time the products they have developed.

Navigator targets startups from all over the world that deal with aviation and travel. The companies accepted will receive funding, office space in Israel and the United States, and hands-on mentoring that will include access to the broad global network of EL AL and JetBlue. The program also includes ongoing guidance in a wide variety of business activities, especially in the realms of sales and marketing, technology and legal issues. In addition, each startup selected for the program will gain exposure to leading professionals and customers in the global aviation and travel industries.

The companies will work for three months in Israel and an additional month in Silicon Valley. They will get an opportunity to present their developments to key players in the global aviation industry. After the four-month international program, alumni may be offered follow-up support for a further eight months in terms of a workspace and business development mentoring aimed at actualizing the partnerships that will be created.

Submission of candidacy for the program is open, through the website cockpitinnovation.com. Shortly after the top startups are chosen and announced, the program will get off the ground in Tel Aviv. The selection process will be based on a rigorous examination of various criteria, the first of which is evidence that the technological development under discussion will lead to meaningful innovation and positive change in the industry.

Henry Chen Weinstein, CEO, Cockpit Innovation Hub, says: “Collaboration is an innovation catalyst - bridging Tel Aviv and Silicon Valley, two of the leading startup hubs on earth through Cockpit and JetBlue Technology Ventures is the next step in harnessing the power of innovation for the future of the Air Travel industry. The Navigator program is the first of its kind, incubating startups focused on travel and aviation by the industry itself, creating a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs."

Bonny Simi, President, JetBlue Technology Ventures, says: "We're excited to partner with Cockpit to connect the two travel tech innovation hubs of Tel Aviv and Silicon Valley through the Navigator program. By combining a wealth of aviation and technology expertise with actual platforms and connections to incubate ideas within the airline industry, we are perfectly positioned to directly help startups shape the future of the travel."

About Cockpit Innovation Hub

Cockpit is a unique digital travel and aviation hub for entrepreneurs with a passion for innovation. Cockpit Innovation Hub helps early stage startups and disruptive technologies aim high and do big things in Travel and Aviation by providing all the tools startups need to put their company in the cockpit and fly to success. Learn more and apply at Cockpitinnovation.com.

About JetBlue Technology Ventures

Located in the startup incubator GSVlabs in Silicon Valley, JetBlue Technology Ventures invests in, incubates and partners with early stage startups at the intersection of technology, travel and hospitality. For more information, including upcoming events and how to request review of potential startup ideas, please visit Jetblueventures.com.