SkyDrive, Japanese eVTOL Trailblazer, Propels Global Influence with Strategic Gujarat Partnership and Suzuki Investment
Transformative Alliance and Funding Boost SkyDrive on the International Stage of Advanced Air Mobility
Images provided courtesy SkyDrive.
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a prominent Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer, has entered into a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in the State of Gujarat, India. The collaboration aims to pave the way for the future of eVTOL aircraft operations within Gujarat by 2027.
Under this agreement, SkyDrive and DST will work together to explore and establish the necessary ecosystem for the social implementation of eVTOL aircrafts. This includes the development of the Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem and conducting feasibility studies for new business ventures related to eVTOL in Gujarat.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Gujarat, calling it the “most innovative state in India.” He highlighted the collaborative efforts between SkyDrive and Suzuki in the business development of eVTOL in India, emphasizing the joint goal of addressing social issues such as mobility emissions and urban congestion.
Fukuzawa stated, “We would like to work closely together as the public and private sectors to provide solutions for the social issues such as mobility emissions and urban congestion.”
The Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat, represented by Mission Director Mr. Videh Khara, also participated in the ceremony, underscoring the state’s commitment to promoting, supporting, and facilitating the growth of new 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 new shares to Suzuki Motor Corporation. This funding infusion from Suzuki is expected to accelerate the development and manufacturing of SkyDrive’s eVTOL aircraft.
SkyDrive and Suzuki jointly participated in the Global Trade Show during 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 aims to explore and strengthen the business development of eVTOL in the Indian market. This aligns with SkyDrive’s mission, established in July 2018, to lead the mobility revolution and create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs as their daily transportation in Japan and across the world. The company plans to commence production of “SKYDRIVE” in the Spring of 2024 at the plant owned by its official production partner, Suzuki Motor Company, headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
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