Q&A with Nichola Bates, Managing Partner at Aerospace Xelerated and Head of Global Accelerators and Innovation Programs, Boeing
20/06/2024
What will you be presenting at the Aerospace Test & Development Show?
I will join the team of experts presenting at the Aerospace Test & Development Show on two separate occasions.
First, I’ll present the case study of Aerospace Xelerated, a leading global innovation and accelerator programme for early-stage companies developing scalable and sustainable solutions for the aerospace industry and beyond. The programme has helped over 40 tech startups across 15 countries and 12 industries access critical investment, mentorship, and support. In this session, I’ll discuss how corporate accelerators act as catalysts for tech disruption in the aerospace sector, fostering collaboration and innovation.
I’ll also join a panel discussing the talent gender gap in the aerospace industry. One can look around any airport, air traffic control tower or office in an aviation company – the absence of women is obvious. In most aviation occupations, women make up less than 20% of the workforce. The largest gender gaps are in senior leadership positions, professional pilots, and maintenance technicians. In this panel discussion, we will give an overview of the current scenario for women in aerospace, digging deeper into the roots of the problem and how companies can get better at promoting diversity and equality in the industry.
What are the key challenges in the Aerospace Test & Development sector, and how will your presentation address them?
Fostering innovation and addressing the gender gap are two critical challenges for the aerospace sector. I believe my sessions on these topics will be instrumental in shedding light on these issues and opening up a space for the sector to reflect on them.
Why is it important to participate in this event?
The Aerospace Test & Development Show will bring together some of the most important players in our industry and I’m honoured to be a part of it. The show will be a place to share experiences and learnings while also getting first-hand access to some of the most exciting innovations happening in aerospace.
I will join the team of experts presenting at the Aerospace Test & Development Show on two separate occasions.
First, I’ll present the case study of Aerospace Xelerated, a leading global innovation and accelerator programme for early-stage companies developing scalable and sustainable solutions for the aerospace industry and beyond. The programme has helped over 40 tech startups across 15 countries and 12 industries access critical investment, mentorship, and support. In this session, I’ll discuss how corporate accelerators act as catalysts for tech disruption in the aerospace sector, fostering collaboration and innovation.
I’ll also join a panel discussing the talent gender gap in the aerospace industry. One can look around any airport, air traffic control tower or office in an aviation company – the absence of women is obvious. In most aviation occupations, women make up less than 20% of the workforce. The largest gender gaps are in senior leadership positions, professional pilots, and maintenance technicians. In this panel discussion, we will give an overview of the current scenario for women in aerospace, digging deeper into the roots of the problem and how companies can get better at promoting diversity and equality in the industry.
What are the key challenges in the Aerospace Test & Development sector, and how will your presentation address them?
Fostering innovation and addressing the gender gap are two critical challenges for the aerospace sector. I believe my sessions on these topics will be instrumental in shedding light on these issues and opening up a space for the sector to reflect on them.
Why is it important to participate in this event?
The Aerospace Test & Development Show will bring together some of the most important players in our industry and I’m honoured to be a part of it. The show will be a place to share experiences and learnings while also getting first-hand access to some of the most exciting innovations happening in aerospace.