Embraer-X has launched a partnership with the Sustainable Aero Lab in Hamburg, Germany, to advance its initiatives around the decarbonization of aviation. The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer’s technology incubator unit announced the joint initiative on Wednesday, indicating that it could result in new investments in startups “focused on energy transition for the air transport industry.”
The Sustainable Aero Lab’s mission is to connect technology startups with mentors and investors, as well as identify prospective new customers and partners for their projects. In addition to Embraer-X, its sponsors include the Hamburg Investment and Development Bank and the Breakthrough Energy consortium. The organization was founded with backing from the Hamburg Aviation aerospace cluster, Germany’s ZAL Center for Applied Aeronautical Research, and Density Ventures.
Embraer is looking to make further progress with its Energia future aircraft program. This is focused on using hybrid-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion technology for new 19- and 30-seat aircraft. Its Eve Air Mobility spinoff is working on a four-passenger eVTOL aircraft.
“With the backing of Embraer-X, we will elevate our mentorship program for aviation startups and projects around the world to deliver a tangible reduction of the climate footprint of aviation,” said Sustainable Aero Lab founder and CEO Stephan Uhrenbacher. “We are excited to work together on building a sustainable future of aviation, coordinating our support initiatives, and streamlining access to each other’s resources.”