1819 Venture Lab-backed startup chosen to pitch at South by Southwest
Airtrek, the innovative 'airport Roomba,' soars to global platform
Airtrek Robotics, a rising startup backed by the University of Cincinnati’s Venture Lab, is set to showcase its innovative technology at the South by Southwest (SXSW) pitch competition in Austin, Texas, in early March, according to the Cincinnati Business Courier. Co-founders Chris Kyoochul Lee, Jon Taylor and Huzefa Dossaji developed an autonomous robot that leverages advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to detect and remove debris from airport grounds, earning it the nickname “runway Roomba.”
International exposure
The Airtrek team stands behind their innovative technology to improve airport safety. Photo/Diana Lara
SXSW has grown from a local music festival into a global event featuring film, tech and interactive exhibitions. Airtrek Robotics is excited to present its advanced technology in an exhibition area dedicated to the latest innovations set to shape the future. The startup emphasizes the importance of exposure SXSW offers, stating “the magnitude of the audience” is its most important factor.
Airtrek is among an exclusive group of 45 finalists selected from around the world to showcase their technology in areas spanning robotics, the future of the internet and extended reality. Lee is excited to network with investors, prospective clients and industry professionals.
SXSW’s interactive exhibits highlight cutting-edge tech innovations, offering a glimpse into a futuristic, sci-fi-inspired world — complete with robots. The festival is known as a springboard for launching innovation, and its focus on inclusivity attracts a diverse international audience.
One-stop innovation hub
The Airtrek team participated in and graduated from the 1819 Innovation Hub’s Venture Lab pre-accelerator. The program helps individuals like Lee develop their ideas, technology and products to create business plans before pairing them with mentors, investors and resources to eventually launch startups.
Airtrek's technology evolved with access to the UC Ground Floor Makerspace inside the Hub. An improved prototype was demonstrated for Spectrum News. It showcased its ability to increase safety for both aircraft and personnel by addressing foreign object debris (FOD), a costly and dangerous issue for the aviation industry.
Items as small as a zipper or a luggage tag can impale workers or damage aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration estimates that FOD damage costs the global aviation sector approximately $22.7 billion annually.
Looking ahead, Airtrek Robotics hopes to make a clean sweep and leave the SXSW event with additional funding to advance product development and scale its operations.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Fall grads celebrate their success at commencement
December 12, 2025
The University of Cincinnati recognized more than 2,600 graduates at its fall commencement.
Ohio nurses weigh in on proposed federal loan rule
December 12, 2025
Spectrum News journalist Javari Burnett spoke with UC Dean Alicia Ribar and UC nursing students Megan Romero and Nevaeh Haskins about proposed new federal student loan rules. Romero and Haskins, both seniors, were filmed in the College of Nursing’s Simulation Lab.
Bearcat Mascot, Cheer Team and scholarships help celebrate Decision Day
December 12, 2025
Cincinnati media organization provided news coverage of Decision Day activities at the University of Cincinnati on Dec. 10, 2025. Surprise announcements of the 2026 Marian Spencer Scholarship recipient occurred during the day.