SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a outstanding Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer, has entered right into a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) within the State of Gujarat, India. The collaboration goals to pave the way in which for the longer term of eVTOL aircraft operations inside Gujarat by 2027.
Under this agreement, SkyDrive and DST will work together to explore and establish the crucial ecosystem for the social implementation of eVTOL aircrafts. This includes the event of the Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem and conducting feasibility studies for brand spanking new business ventures related to eVTOL in Gujarat.
Speaking on the MoU signing ceremony, SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa expressed enthusiasm concerning the partnership with Gujarat, calling it the “most progressive state in India.” He highlighted the collaborative efforts between SkyDrive and Suzuki within the business development of eVTOL in India, emphasizing the joint goal of addressing social issues similar to mobility emissions and concrete congestion.
Fukuzawa stated, “We would love to work closely together as the private and non-private sectors to supply solutions for the social issues similar to mobility emissions and concrete congestion.”
The Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat, represented by Mission Director Mr. Videh Khara, also participated within the ceremony, underscoring the state’s commitment to promoting, supporting, and facilitating the expansion of recent and emerging technologies.
In a related development, SkyDrive announced on January 10, 2024, that it has secured additional funding in its Series C round through a third-party allotment of recent shares to Suzuki Motor Corporation. This funding infusion from Suzuki is anticipated to speed up the event and manufacturing of SkyDrive’s eVTOL aircraft.
SkyDrive and Suzuki jointly participated within the Global Trade Show through the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, showcasing their cutting-edge technology. SkyDrive exhibited its 1/5 scaled SKYDRIVE (SD-05) at Maruti-Suzuki India Limited’s booth, supported by Suzuki.
With the agreement on business and technology collaboration with Suzuki, SkyDrive goals to explore and strengthen the business development of eVTOL within the Indian market. This aligns with SkyDrive’s mission, established in July 2018, to guide the mobility revolution and create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs as their every day transportation in Japan and the world over. The corporate plans to start production of “SKYDRIVE” within the Spring of 2024 on the plant owned by its official production partner, Suzuki Motor Company, headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture.
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