Introduction

WELCOME TO PROOF AVIATION FUTURES™

The future of aviation will be built by people willing to solve real problems—and prove their solutions can work.

PROOF Aviation Futures™, powered by Hack the Concrete Jungle (HTCJ), brings together founders, developers, engineers, researchers, students, aviation professionals, entrepreneurs, designers, and multidisciplinary teams to build solutions for the next generation of flight.

This challenge is designed around a simple principle:

DON’T JUST PITCH THE FUTURE. PROVE IT.

Your project can address opportunities across artificial intelligence, aviation, aerospace, autonomous systems, AAM/eVTOL, drones/UAS, airport infrastructure, cybersecurity, logistics, passenger experience, accessibility, workforce development, or aviation entrepreneurship.

You do not need to build an aircraft.

You can build the software, AI, hardware, platform, infrastructure, service, marketplace, training system, business, or technology that makes aviation work better.

The PROOF process is:

PROBLEM → BUILD → SUBMIT → REVIEW → PROVE → MATCH → PILOT-READY

Start with a meaningful problem. Build something credible. Show us what works. Tell us what you need next.

BUILD THE FUTURE OF FLIGHT. THEN PROVE IT.

Tools and Technologies

BUILD WITH THE TECHNOLOGY THAT MAKES SENSE FOR THE PROBLEM.

PROOF Aviation Futures™ is technology-agnostic. Teams are encouraged to select the tools, platforms, frameworks, hardware, datasets, APIs, and development environments best suited to their solution.

Projects may incorporate:

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE + MACHINE LEARNING
Generative AI, computer vision, predictive analytics, AI agents, natural-language processing, optimization, anomaly detection, forecasting, decision-support systems, and intelligent automation.

SOFTWARE + CLOUD
Web applications, mobile applications, APIs, databases, cloud infrastructure, dashboards, SaaS platforms, real-time systems, edge computing, and enterprise integrations.

AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS + ROBOTICS
Robotics, drones/UAS, autonomous navigation, fleet management, mission planning, computer vision, sensing, control systems, and simulation.

IoT + CONNECTED SYSTEMS
Sensors, telemetry, connected aircraft systems, asset monitoring, predictive maintenance, environmental monitoring, tracking, and operational intelligence.

HARDWARE + PROTOTYPING
Embedded systems, microcontrollers, sensors, electronics, CAD, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, robotics hardware, test rigs, and aviation-related equipment.

AR / VR / XR + SIMULATION
Flight training, maintenance training, workforce education, digital twins, operational simulation, immersive passenger experiences, and safety training.

CYBERSECURITY
Threat detection, identity, secure communications, infrastructure protection, trusted AI, data security, resilient systems, and security monitoring.

DATA + ANALYTICS
Operational data, geospatial information, weather information, logistics data, flight data, maintenance information, passenger data, and other appropriately licensed datasets.

There is no required programming language, AI model, cloud provider, hardware platform, or development framework unless a specific challenge track or partner challenge states otherwise.

Low-code and no-code tools may also be used when they contribute meaningfully to a working solution.

Teams should clearly identify significant third-party technologies, datasets, APIs, AI models, open-source software, and other resources used in their submission.

Participants are responsible for complying with applicable licenses, terms of service, privacy requirements, aviation regulations, and other applicable requirements.

Inspiration

START WITH THE PROBLEM.

Not sure what to build?

Look at the systems surrounding an aircraft—not just the aircraft itself.

Think about what happens before a flight, during operations, at the airport, inside maintenance facilities, throughout the supply chain, for passengers, and across the aviation workforce.

Questions worth exploring include:

Can AI identify maintenance problems earlier?

Can airport operations become more intelligent?

Can autonomous systems improve inspection or logistics?

Can aviation cybersecurity become more proactive?

Can passengers with disabilities navigate airports more independently?

Can AI help reduce delays or operational disruptions?

Can cargo capacity be used more efficiently?

Can drones safely solve logistics, inspection, emergency-response, or infrastructure problems?

Can emerging AAM/eVTOL operators manage fleets, charging, scheduling, and infrastructure more effectively?

Can we create better pathways into aviation careers?

Can small businesses become suppliers to the aviation economy?

Can new technology make aviation safer, cleaner, more accessible, or more efficient?

AI Maintenance Copilot
Help technicians locate information, diagnose issues, organize maintenance records, or identify potential problems.

Airport Operations Intelligence Platform
Help coordinate gates, crews, equipment, disruptions, passenger flows, and operational resources.

Drone Fleet Management System
Manage missions, aircraft, maintenance, batteries, operators, compliance, and operational data.

Accessible Airport Navigator
Create personalized navigation and assistance for travelers with mobility, visual, hearing, cognitive, or sensory needs.

Aviation Cybersecurity Monitor
Identify unusual activity and potential threats across connected aviation environments.

Smart Baggage Intelligence
Improve baggage visibility and identify potential mishandling before it becomes a passenger problem.

Air Cargo Optimization Platform
Improve routing, capacity utilization, shipment visibility, and logistics decision-making.

AAM / eVTOL Operations Platform
Manage aircraft scheduling, fleet availability, charging, vertiport activity, and operational workflows.

Aviation Workforce Copilot
Help people discover careers, learn aviation terminology, train for roles, earn credentials, and connect with employers.

Aircraft Services Marketplace
Connect aircraft operators with qualified cleaning, maintenance-support, detailing, ground-service, or other aviation providers.

Use these ideas as inspiration—not restrictions.

Find your own problem. Build your own proof.

Contact Us & Support Channels

NEED HELP?

Questions about eligibility, submissions, challenge requirements, technical issues, or PROOF Aviation Futures™ should be directed through the official challenge support channels.

Use the Devpost Discussions area for questions that may benefit the broader participant community.

Participants are encouraged to review existing discussions before creating a new topic.

For questions involving your individual submission, eligibility situation, private information, partnership inquiry, or other matters that should not be posted publicly, contact the official Manager Contact Email displayed on this Devpost challenge.

For issues involving your Devpost account, platform functionality, uploading a submission, or other Devpost-specific technical problems, use the official Devpost Help Center / Support resources.

For broader inquiries involving:

HTCJ Aviation Futures
PROOF™
Corporate Challenges
Technology Partnerships
Aviation Industry Collaboration
University Collaboration
Sponsorship
Mentorship
Business Problems / Technology Matching

visit:

HackTheConcreteJungle.com

Additional Resource links

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU BUILD

Participants are encouraged to research the aviation environment surrounding their solution and use authoritative sources whenever safety, regulations, standards, operations, or technical requirements are involved.

Hack the Concrete Jungle
HTCJ ecosystem, programs, founder opportunities, challenges, and PROOF initiatives.
HackTheConcreteJungle.com

PROOF™
Learn about HTCJ's model for connecting problems, technologies, founders, businesses, demonstrations, and potential real-world opportunities.
Use the official PROOF page on HackTheConcreteJungle.com once published.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Regulations, UAS information, aviation safety, certification, airports, airspace, and emerging aviation technologies.
faa.gov

FAA UAS / Drone Resources
Official information regarding drones, UAS operations, Remote ID, airspace, registration, and operational requirements.
faa.gov/uas

NASA Aeronautics
Research and information involving aviation, advanced air mobility, autonomy, airspace, sustainability, and future flight.
nasa.gov/aeronautics

NASA Open Data
Publicly available NASA datasets and resources that may be useful for research and prototyping.
data.nasa.gov

National Weather Service / NOAA
Weather, climate, atmospheric, and environmental information useful for aviation-related research.
weather.gov
noaa.gov

NIST
Cybersecurity, AI risk management, standards, security frameworks, and technical resources.
nist.gov

Devpost Help Center
Guidance for creating, editing, and submitting your Devpost project.
Use Devpost's official participant help resources.

These resources are provided for education and research. Listing an organization or resource does not imply sponsorship, partnership, endorsement, or participation in PROOF Aviation Futures™.

Teams are responsible for verifying applicable rules, licenses, data-use restrictions, safety requirements, and regulatory requirements before using third-party resources.

RESEARCH THE PROBLEM.
BUILD THE SOLUTION.
SHOW THE PROOF.