In October 2025, gategroup joined HackMTY, Latin America’s largest student hackathon, held at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico. The 36-hour event brought together more than 1,000 students from 12 countries, challenging them to design innovative technology solutions in the fields of data, AI, logistics, and sustainability.
As a proud sponsor alongside Capital One, Banorte, Chubb, and Oracle, gategroup’s goal was to connect with the next generation of tech innovators while exploring real-world ideas to improve efficiency, automation, and employee experience in airline catering logistics.
The Challenges
gategroup presented two operational challenges focused on enhancing its Pick & Pack processes:
- Smart Intelligence – using data and AI to improve forecasting and reduce waste.
- Smart Execution – leveraging digital tools to empower frontline teams and optimize workflows.
The initiative was led by Margaret Miranda (Global Head of Operational Excellence LATAM), Rodrigo Borquez (Global Process Owner, Foundational and Pick & Pack), Angel Mendoza (Product Manager, Data & Analytics), and Francisco Bassols (Director IT Business Engagement, APME & LATAM), supported locally by Ramon Nuñez (Country Manager Mexico) and Reinaldo Guerrero (Monterrey Unit Manager). Over 400 students participated in the gategroup tracks, mentored by the company’s operational and IT experts.
Winning Solutions
Two standout projects emerged from the competition:
🏆 Onboard Intelligence – Smart Intelligence Winner
This team created a three-part platform featuring:
- A stock management tool that tracks product expiration dates to minimize waste.
- An AI model that predicts consumption trends across flight routes.
- An IoT-based system that measures trolley assembly to help staff plan time more effectively.
Their concept aims to reduce the carbon footprint of flight operations through better resource planning and predictive analytics.
🏆 Gate Sense – Smart Execution Winner
Gate Sense designed a smart device that applies computer vision and OCR to detect misplaced or expired products during packing.
It provides real-time feedback via voice and LED indicators, operates offline using solar or battery power, and syncs data when reconnected—offering a sustainable, user-centric tool that boosts accuracy and efficiency for on-ground teams.
Looking Ahead
HackMTY 2025 not only provided gategroup with creative prototypes but also valuable insight into how digitalization and AI can transform operational excellence. The most promising ideas are now under review for potential pilot testing across gategroup’s global network.
This initiative highlights gategroup’s ongoing investment in innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation — and its commitment to fostering collaboration between industry and emerging tech talent.
About gategroup
gategroup is the global leader in airline catering, retail-on-board and hospitality products and services. gategroup provides passengers with superior culinary and retail experiences, leveraging innovation and advanced technology solutions. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, gategroup delivers operational excellence through the most extensive catering network in the aviation industry, serving passengers from over 200 operating units in over 60 countries/territories across all continents. For further information, please visit: www.gategroup.com
