HRH The Duke of York, KG opens UK's first travel tech incubator

Yigit Yigiter demonstrates Timelooper to Prince Andrew and The Duke of York - The UK's first-ever incubator for travel technology start-ups has been opened by HRH The Duke of York, KG at an official ceremony. Traveltech Lab offers high-specification workspace for 30 people co-located within the riverside offices of London & Partners, the Mayor's promotional company for London. The incubator - created in partnership with The Trampery - was opened by His Royal Highness at a ceremony yesterday evening (March 10). At the ceremony, Gatwick Airport was confirmed as the first corporate partner of the new incubator, which will support the growth of the UK's travel technology industry. London & Partners' goal is for London to become the number one city in the world for travel technology startups, and it is hoped that the incubator will help support the development of the next lastminute.com, Citymapper, AirBnB, or Skyscanner. Over 100 companies applied for space in the new facility, including businesses from Germany, China and the United States. London & Partners will also offer the selected start-ups the opportunity to connect with its network of senior industry executives, partners, investors and mentors to help accelerate the growth and development of their businesses. Gordon Innes, CEO of London & Partners, said: "As well as being one of the world's foremost tourism destinations, London is also a leading global hotspot for tech innovation. This exciting new incubator, which now has the support of Gatwick Airport, will bring tech and tourism together, enabling brilliant start-ups that will transform the way we live, work, and travel. It is the ideal springboard, enabling new travel tech firms to grow quickly with the help of London & Partners' business expertise and broad network of industry specialists." Gatwick Chief Commercial Officer Guy Stephenson said: "New and innovative technology is changing the way we travel and the London Traveltech Lab will encourage start-ups to shape this revolution. Gatwick's support for - London, United Kingdom - Tuesday 10th March 2015 (1 Picture)