Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer completed its first «Start-Up Day» in São José dos Campos. The initiative aimed to encourage emerging companies developing innovative technologies to join the «Energy Family» sustainable flight initiative.
Embraer’s intention is to select companies that bring their own developments and experiences to its project. This collaboration would have the potential to develop solutions for the decarbonization of aviation. The Brazilian company highlighted the role of emerging companies, which «have an important role to play in solving certain obstacles».
At the first meeting, 16 organizations from around the world presented their technologies. Each one was focused on one of four critical areas: electric and hybrid propulsion, fuel cells, hydrogen storage and battery technology.
In the coming months, the «Energy Family» team will study the proposals. According to Embraer, a first selection will be finalized during the third quarter of this year.
In addition, the company intends to hold more events of this type and include other areas of interest. These include more sustainable cabin design, connectivity, ground handling and clean energy generation.
Carlos Ilario, Head of Zero Emissions Innovation at Embraer, said that «to meet the climate challenge, it is essential to encourage all avenues of innovation and not limit ourselves to traditional players». In that sense, he assured that «Embraer has a natural affinity with agile innovators» and highlighted the contribution that the growing ecosystem of small tech startups can make when opportunities are provided. «It is essential to leverage all the talent available in the world to find answers that work, and that are affordable and practical in the real world», he concluded.
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