This ambitious programme offers access to Siemens’ engineering expertise, global networks, and state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, enabling startups to address some of the industry’s most critical challenges while capitalising on a multi-billion-pound market opportunity.

A £400+ billion market ripe for transformation

The Aerospace and Defence industry is projected to grow to over £400 billion by 2030, driven by escalating global demand for AI-driven capabilities, autonomous systems, and advanced analytics. From enhancing operational efficiency and safety to delivering predictive intelligence and autonomous decision-making, the opportunity for disruptive innovation in this sector is immense.

However, capitalising on this market requires technologies that are not only innovative but also scalable, reliable, and aligned with stringent industry standards. Siemens’ Flywheel Programme aims to bridge this gap by equipping startups with the tools, expertise, and networks to fast-track commercial adoption and seize their share of this growing market.

Tanya Suárez, Founder and CEO of IoT Tribe, underscored the market opportunity and transformative nature of the programme: “5% of the S&P 500 gains in 2023 were driven by the Magnificent Seven either as key drivers or beneficiaries of AI acceleration. This programme is not just about scaling innovation but also about equipping startups to compete in a high-growth market where the stakes – and the rewards – are higher than ever. Our collaboration with Siemens offers startups a unique launchpad to redefine the Aerospace and Defence industry.”

“As the Aerospace and Defence sector continues to mature its digital transformation, the role of AI in solving high-stakes challenges is expanding rapidly. If the impact AI will have on the A&D industry could be measured by a 12 hour clock, right now we are at 5 seconds,” said Todd Tuthill, Vice President of Aerospace & Defense Industry at Siemens Digital Industries Software. “The Flywheel Programme is designed to help startups break through barriers to market entry and deliver scalable solutions that address these urgent needs and move the industry well beyond the first five seconds.”

Cultivating AI and agentic AI to reshape the industry

The programme focuses on startups developing agentic AI solutions – systems that go beyond automation by thinking, learning, and acting autonomously in complex, real-time environments. These technologies are poised to revolutionise operations across the Aerospace and Defense supply chain.

These innovations, Siemens aims to position its partners at the forefront of a rapidly evolving market.

Unrivalled resources for scaling innovation

The Flywheel Programme offers startups an accelerated pathway to success, with access to:

• Expert guidance and support: leveraging of Siemens’ industry expertise to reduce operational and technical risks, increasing the confidence of customers in your solution
• Cutting edge tools and infrastructure: use of software from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software, enabling streamlined product development and validation
• Exclusive collaboration networks: exposure to Siemens’ extensive ecosystem of partners, enabling fast-tracked market engagement and fostering strategic collaborations with other forward-thinking ventures

These resources enable startups to rapidly prototype, validate, and deploy technologies that align with industry needs, providing a competitive edge in capturing market share.

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