We are at the cusp of a third revolution in flight. That’s why at Airbus, we are laser focused on specific research and development areas that are going to be the key drivers in shaping the future of aerospace and improving the way we live, travel, and interact. Here are a few.
We’re pioneering electric technologies and flight.
E-Fan X in flight
Electric and hybrid-electric propulsion is the most promising technology to develop means of transportation with improved environmental performance that are less reliant on fossil fuels and use energy more efficiently. That’s why Airbus is investing heavily in research dedicated to developing all necessary technologies, and partnering with the best to make it a reality.
We’re digitizing aerospace design, manufacturing, our products and services and even the sky.
In the last decade, virtual, augmented and mixed reality have become more mobile and easier to use than ever, freeing up potential to completely transform many areas.
Over the last 10 years, the pace of technological disruption has accelerated, drastically reducing the cost of products and services to make them more available to more people. We are embracing digital technologies to move from a hardware-focused approach to an integrated, problem-solving approach that connects software, hardware, and customer perspectives.
We’re determined to make urban air mobility a reality.
Vahana is one of two electric take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL) Airbus is currently developing to alleviate city congestion.
By 2050, 66% of the world’s population will be urban. The environmental impact of transporting so many people in traditional vehicles is overwhelming, with cities accounting for 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. We simply have to find a better way to get around. We believe that adding the third dimension to multi-modal transportation networks in cities air will improve the way we live and how we get from A to B. That’s why we are working with partners on all areas of the mobility puzzle to make urban air mobility a safe reality.
Through our global innovation centres, venture capital fund, and aerospace accelerators, we collaborate with the brightest minds across the globe to tackle big problems with novel insights to make the world a more connected, prosperous, and safer place.
By funding and supporting start-ups and SMEs, we contribute to accelerating innovation in aerospace.
A^3
Based in Silicon Valley, A3 is a disruptive innovation centre tasked with defining the future of flight by employing world-class experts, flying in the face of risk and delivering with maximum speed.
Airbus China Innovation Centre
Based in Shenzhen, China, the Airbus China Innovation Centre (ACIC) is tasked with identifying the next big change to transform the aerospace sector by tapping into the burgeoning local technology activities and talent pool.
Airbus BizLab
Airbus BizLab is a global network of aerospace accelerators in France, Germany and India where startups and Airbus intrapreneurs are hosted to speed up the transformation of innovative ideas into valuable and viable businesses.
Airbus Ventures
Headquartered in Silicon Valley and Paris, Airbus Ventures is a fast-moving early-stage investment group that independently funds and supports inspiring start-ups in the aerospace industry.
Fly Your Ideas
Airbus’ Fly Your Ideas competition inspires the next generation to innovate for the future of aerospace. It’s a chance for students to apply their classroom learning and research to real-world challenges to envision solutions for the future of aerospace.
The competition involves three increasingly competitive rounds leading to a live final. The selected teams for the final are asked to develop and prototype their solutions, then present their projects to an expert jury at the final event.
Open Innovation
Our Open Innovation programme aims at identifying dynamic SMEs and startups to partner with to develop ground-breaking technologies applicable to the aeronautics industry. Have an idea? Share it with us.
Our team will assess the scope of application of your proposal, including its feasibility, maturity and viability. If selected, you will be invited to pitch your idea to our experts to further explore your idea, possible use cases and partnership opportunities.