UN Tourism launches Artificial Intelligence 'Plug and Play' contest

22-06-24

Les Roches, an international school specializing in hotel and tourism management, has announced its collaboration in the 'Plug and Play' competition, an initiative organized as part of UN Tourism's Global Artificial Intelligence Startup Competition.

This competition aims to harness the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep technologies to improve sustainable tourism for the benefit of people, planet and prosperity.

The critical role of AI in reshaping tourism is underscored by its ability to enhance personalized travel experiences, optimize operational efficiency and promote sustainable practices. Recognizing this potential, Les Roches is contributing to this effort through its Spark innovation sphere.

As such, Les Roches will host a two-month acceleration program at its innovation center, located at its campuses in Marbella and Crans-Montana.

This program is designed to support the most promising startups, selected through the 'Plug and Play' competition, by offering them resources and personalized mentoring.

The program includes access to more than 90 venture capital investors: startups will have the opportunity to connect with leading investors, thus gaining access to funding and growth. In addition, participants will network with leading companies and gain visibility in more than 150 countries.

Participants also have one-on-one mentoring that will guide startups through the complexities of scaling their innovations, as well as potential collaborations with private sector entities and institutions to test their technologies.

The program includes exclusive opportunities such as participation in the Silicon Valley Summit and access to the Plug and Play network, including talent and portfolio synergies.

The competition begins with the application launch on June 12, followed by a webinar in July for participants. Applications will close on July 30 and winners will be announced in September. The grand finale will take place in November, with the final presentation event.

Startups from around the world are encouraged to apply if they are innovative, sustainability-driven, scalable and have a proven pilot and business program. The competition welcomes all forms of innovation, from new methods and processes to governance models, social impact initiatives and advanced technologies.