Amex GBT joins Plug and Play accelerator

American Express Global Business Travel has joined Plug and Play's Travel & Hospitality accelerator program as an anchor member for 2026.

The partnership will connect Amex GBT with startups and emerging technology companies as it looks to expand its innovation pipeline, explore pilot opportunities and identify new solutions for its global business.

Plug and Play is the world's largest startup accelerator and open innovation platform with a network of more than 100,000 startups across more than 60 countries.

Its Travel & Hospitality program connects established travel companies with emerging businesses focused on areas such as digital transformation, automation and hospitality technology.

The program includes partners such as WestJet, Flight Centre, Edmonton International Airport, PortsToronto, Accor and Star Alliance.

"Startups bring fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and the agility to challenge how we think. By collaborating with emerging innovators through accelerators like Plug and Play, we gain access to breakthrough technologies and diverse thinking that push us to innovate faster – while helping these startups grow," said Erica Antony, VP, complete & select solutions, Amex GBT. 

"We're excited to collaborate with the next generation of travel innovators to learn, test new approaches and bring the best ideas to our customers."

As an anchor member, Amex GBT will help shape the program's strategic direction, including input on the technologies and startups selected.

The initiative gives Amex GBT access to pre-screened startups across the Plug and Play ecosystem, both within travel and beyond, to explore pilots and solutions that address business challenges across the company's software suite.

"Amex GBT's commitment to innovation and deep customer relationships across a variety of sectors make them an ideal member for our Travel & Hospitality program," said Amir Amidi, managing partner, Plug and Play.

"We look forward to connecting their teams with strategically-aligned technologies to solve for the business travel industry's unique challenges and drive innovation through connection."

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