ForsaTEK 2025: Emirates Group Unveils the Future of Aviation Tech and Innovation
The Emirates Group’s flagship innovation and technology event, ForsaTEK, returned this year with greater ambition, spotlighting cutting-edge technologies, dynamic start-ups, and emerging talent driving the future of aviation.
Now in its third edition, ForsaTEK 2025 expands its reach across departments and businesses within the Group, focusing on scaling successful innovations and maximizing value from new technologies. This year’s key themes include the transformative role of AI, robotics, and IoT in aviation and the human element behind successful adoption.
Opening the Innovation Gateway
The event was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, joined by Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education, and senior Emirates executives.
“ForsaTEK 2025 reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation—from nurturing start-ups to scaling impactful solutions across our business. This forum shows how we’re building a robust ecosystem to advance AI, research, and digital adoption.” — HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Technology in Action: From Prototypes to Scaled Solutions
This year’s event featured 40+ showcases, spanning the full innovation pipeline—from early research to live applications.
Fully launched innovations included:
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Autonomous robots from Transguard and Emirates Group Security for urban safety
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AI-powered aircraft turnaround analysis by Emirates Airport Services
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Autonomous drones for cargo inventory checks by dnata
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3D-printed spare parts to support fast, on-demand maintenance
Trial Zone highlights:
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Glidance’s self-guided mobility aid for the visually impaired
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JeffCAN’s sensory media chair for neurodiverse travellers
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Airbus’s inclusive cabin design, with PRM-accessible lavatories and personal wheelchairs
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Drone inspections and augmented reality maintenance tools for aircraft upkeep
Start-Up Power and Youth Innovation
The Pitch Zone hosted 13 start-ups presenting to a panel of VIPs, tech leaders, and investors. At the same time, the Experience Zone engaged employees and youth, encouraging innovation, storytelling and real-time participation.
Inspiring Ideas and Big Thinkers
ForsaTEK 2025 featured global thought leaders and change-makers, including:
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HE Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, on how AI is shaping the UAE’s future-ready school curriculum
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Dr. Mark Esposito, World Economic Forum advisor, on revamping innovation strategies
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Younes Mourri, Stanford AI professor, on human-AI intelligence
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Shekhar Kapur, Oscar-nominated filmmaker, explores AI’s societal impact
New Employee Innovation App: Afkar
The Emirates Group also launched Afkar (Arabic for ideas)—a new employee-driven digital platform to encourage idea generation across the company. This year’s winning innovation: automated visa validation for passengers, streamlining travel and reducing friction in the journey.
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