SkyDrive signs MOU with six Singapore tech companies to collaborate on advanced air mobility R&D

SkyDrive Inc., a leading compact eVTOL aircraft developer based in Japan, announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for joint research, development, and technical validation focused on key component technologies for eVTOL aircraft with six Singapore-based technology companies, Accuron Technologies, Heron Airbridge, HOPE Technik, KVI, Neo Aeronautics and Volt14 Solutions, at the Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology (SWITCH). These companies possess advanced technical capabilities in key fields including advanced manufacturing, advanced batteries, rapid prototyping, and flight operations management.

Background and Objectives

Driven by its vision of making daily air transportation a reality, SkyDrive is advancing manufacturing and commercialisation efforts in Japan while pursuing international technology development for global markets.

As an Asian hub for technological innovation, Singapore hosts world-class technical capabilities across aerospace, advanced materials and electronics. Situated at the heart of Southeast Asia, a key strategic market for SkyDrive where the eVTOL market is rapidly expanding, Singapore serves as an ideal base for advancing next-generation air mobility initiatives in the region.

The purpose of this MOU is to evaluate and advance joint research and development (R&D) focused on key component technologies, such as aircraft weight reduction, next-generation batteries, and flight operations management, as well as potential validation environments, through collaboration with these local technical partners. This collaboration covers pure technical validation and research and development in the region, aiming to establish foundational technologies for a future sustainable air mobility society.

Partner Companies and Key Technical Domains

Under the MOU, SkyDrive will explore joint research and development with the following six Singaporean companies specialising in advanced technical fields.

- Advanced Aerospace Manufacturing Technology

Company: Accuron Technologies

Collaboration: Leveraging advanced metallic additive manufacturing expertise built in the aerospace sector to manufacture complex metal components that achieve both lightweight design and high safety standards.

- Air Traffic and Flight Operations Management Systems for eVTOLs

Company: Heron Airbridge

Collaboration: Conducting technical validation for real-time airspace monitoring and traffic management to build an operational environment where multiple aircraft can fly smoothly and safely.

- Rapid Prototyping and Testing to Accelerate Development

Company: HOPE Technik

Collaboration: Utilising rapid prototyping expertise gained through robotics and autonomous systems development to establish a framework for swiftly manufacturing, testing, and validating experimental components and aircraft.

- Control Programme Development to Optimise Battery (Cell and Pack) Lifespan and Charging Speed

Company: KVI

Collaboration: Evaluating and validating software technology that commands and controls safe, rapid charging directly from the battery cell and pack level rather than the charger itself, enabling continuous flight operations and efficient operational turnaround for eVTOL aircraft.

- Regulatory Collaboration, AAM Operational Framework, Flight Test Infrastructure and Regional Business Development

Company: Neo Aeronautics

Collaboration: Exploring joint efforts on operational testing, validation, regulatory certification of eVTOLs and regional business development.

- Next-Generation Battery Cell & Pack Design for Extended Flight Range

Company: Volt14 Solutions

Collaboration: Developing high-capacity battery cells using advanced silicon-based materials and evaluating lightweight, safe battery pack architectures optimised for eVTOL aircraft.

Future Outlook

Based on this MOU, SkyDrive and the participating companies will engage in regular technical exchanges and information sharing, working toward definitive agreements for specific joint R&D initiatives and feasibility studies. SkyDrive will continue to deepen partnerships with advanced global technology leaders to accelerate the development of compact eVTOL aircraft built to the highest standards of safety and quality.

Comments from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore

Marcus Dass, Senior Vice President and Head, Global Enterprises, Singapore Economic Development Board

"SkyDrive's plans to establish R&D partnerships in Singapore reflect our strength as a leading aerospace hub. SkyDrive will be a valuable addition to our aerospace ecosystem, and we look forward to welcoming more companies to partner with Singapore-based companies and research institutions to innovate and develop new technologies in this space."

Ong Shin Rong, Executive Director, Manufacturing, Enterprise Singapore

"Enterprise Singapore welcomes the partnerships between SkyDrive and Singapore enterprises. These collaborations reflect the capabilities of our companies as technology and supply chain partners, while opening opportunities for them to participate in emerging global value chains and pursue new areas of growth."