The idea is a simple one. Bring aspiring engineers inside the world of Leonardo Helicopters and allow them to explore innovation from a whole host of different perspectives.
What does the future of vertical flight look like? Which technologies will make these dreams achievable? How could electrification and advanced materials transform future platforms? What is the role of AI? These were just some of the questions that the students investigated during their participation in the programme.
After a first edition in 2023 with more than 20 students, this is now the second year we’ve run the Bootcamp. This time around we welcomed 16 students, selected by Politecnico di Milano and representing a range of engineering disciplines. Their specialisms included aeronautics, mechanical, automation, and space.
Over a two-month period, they took part in 10 in-depth modules developed and delivered by our Technology & Innovation team with the support of colleagues from across Leonardo Helicopters. Students gained hands-on insights into many aspects of innovation, including:
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How technologies such as 3D printing are revolutionising the manufacture of helicopter components
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The way we apply the concept of Open Innovation through our Leonardo Labs
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The possibilities offered by electrification and new materials to improve performance and make the future of flight more sustainable
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The role of AI as an enabling technology for uncrewed flight
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How we’re investing in virtual and extended reality to create highly realistic training solutions.
Mattia Cavanna - Head of Technology and Innovation, explained why initiatives such as the Innovator Bootcamp are important: “Innovation in the aerospace and defence sector is moving at an incredible pace. To continue to be at the forefront of new technologies, we need a pipeline of fresh, talented engineers. People with new skillsets, different backgrounds and perspectives, and most importantly a passion for innovation. This is the essence of the Innovator Bootcamp.
"It aligns very closely with the work we do within Technology and Innovation – acting as an incubator for the ground-breaking technologies that Leonardo Helicopters is developing to benefit our customers and society in the coming years.”
Viewpoints
Dario Bonnano - Technology & Innovation team and Innovator Bootcamp mentor:
“In my role, I take the lead on innovation projects to evaluate the suitability of new materials and technologies for our helicopters. During the Innovator Bootcamp I worked with the students to give them a better understanding of our end-to-end innovation process and to explore how we apply new technologies within our product portfolio.
"The students were very passionate and open to learn. From my perspective, I believe that the involvement of young engineers at the end of their academic path is crucial to fill the knowledge gap between university and industry. The Bootcamp is a great way to stimulate their interest and passion for the complex and challenging vertical lift sector.”
Riccardo Carta - Technology & Innovation team and Innovation Bootcamp mentor:
“Within the T&I organisation, I am responsible for our innovation management process so that we prioritise projects according to their potential benefits. I found working with the students a very motivating and rewarding experience.
"I feel lucky to have been involved in the Innovator Bootcamp idea from the earliest stage of its development. It has been a true success, bringing together colleagues from different parts of the organisation and allowing us to welcome some highly talented individuals who have now become part of the Leonardo Helicopters team.”
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