SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading compact eVTOL aircraft (*1) developer based in Japan, announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for joint research, development, and technical validation focused on key component technologies for eVTOL aircraft with six Singapore-based technology companies — Accuron Technologies, Heron Airbridge, HOPE Technik, KVI, Neo Aeronautics and Volt14 Solutions — at the Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology (SWITCH). These companies possess advanced technical capabilities in key fields including advanced manufacturing, advanced batteries, rapid prototyping, and flight operations management.

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MOU signing ceremony held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on Oct. 28, 2026.

MOU signing ceremony held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on Oct. 28, 2026.

Background and Objectives

Driven by its vision of making daily air transportation a reality, SkyDrive is advancing manufacturing and commercialization efforts in Japan while pursuing international technology development for global markets.

As an Asian hub for technological innovation, Singapore hosts world-class technical capabilities across aerospace, advanced materials and electronics. Situated at the heart of Southeast Asia, a key strategic market for SkyDrive where the eVTOL market is rapidly expanding, Singapore serves as an ideal base for advancing next-generation air mobility initiatives in the region.

The purpose of this MOU is to evaluate and advance joint research and development (R&D) focused on key component technologies — such as aircraft weight reduction, next-generation batteries, and flight operations management — as well as potential validation environments, through collaboration with these local technical partners. This collaboration covers pure technical validation and research and development in the region, aiming to establish foundational technologies for a future sustainable air mobility society.

Partner Companies and Key Technical Domains

Under the MOU, SkyDrive will explore joint research and development with the following six Singaporean companies specializing in advanced technical fields.

  • Advanced Aerospace Manufacturing Technology

    • Company: Accuron Technologies (https://www.accuron.com/)

    • Collaboration: Leveraging advanced metallic additive manufacturing expertise built in the aerospace sector to manufacture complex metal components that achieve both lightweight design and high safety standards.

  • Air Traffic and Flight Operations Management Systems for eVTOLs

    • Company: Heron Airbridge (https://heron-airbridge.com/)

    • Collaboration: Conducting technical validation for real-time airspace monitoring and traffic management to build an operational environment where multiple aircraft can fly smoothly and safely.

  • Rapid Prototyping and Testing to Accelerate Development

    • Company: HOPE Technik (https://hopetechnik.com/)

    • Collaboration: Utilizing rapid prototyping expertise gained through robotics and autonomous systems development to establish a framework for swiftly manufacturing, testing, and validating experimental components and aircraft.

  • Control Program Development to Optimize Battery (Cell and Pack) Lifespan and Charging Speed

    • Company: KVI (https://kvi-battery.com/)

    • Collaboration: Evaluating and validating software technology that commands and controls safe, rapid charging directly from the battery cell and pack level rather than the charger itself, enabling continuous flight operations and efficient operational turnaround for eVTOL aircraft.

  • Regulatory Collaboration, AAM Operational Framework, Flight Test Infrastructure and Regional Business Development

    • Company: Neo Aeronautics (https://www.neo-aeronautics.com/)

    • Collaboration: Exploring joint efforts on operational testing, validation, regulatory certification of eVTOLs and regional business development.

  • Next-Generation Battery Cell & Pack Design for Extended Flight Range

    • Company: Volt14 Solutions (https://volt14.com/)

    • Collaboration: Developing high-capacity battery cells using advanced silicon-based materials and evaluating lightweight, safe battery pack architectures optimized for eVTOL aircraft.

Future Outlook

Based on this MOU, SkyDrive and the participating companies will engage in regular technical exchanges and information sharing, working toward definitive agreements for specific joint R&D initiatives and feasibility studies. SkyDrive will continue to deepen partnerships with advanced global technology leaders to accelerate the development of compact eVTOL aircraft built to the highest standards of safety and quality.

Comments from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore

Marcus Dass, Senior Vice President and Head, Global Enterprises, Singapore Economic Development Board

“SkyDrive’s plans to establish R&D partnerships in Singapore reflect our strength as a leading aerospace hub. SkyDrive will be a valuable addition to our aerospace ecosystem, and we look forward to welcoming more companies to partner with Singapore-based companies and research institutions to innovate and develop new technologies in this space.”

Ong Shin Rong, Executive Director, Manufacturing, Enterprise Singapore

“Enterprise Singapore welcomes the partnerships between SkyDrive and Singapore enterprises. These collaborations reflect the capabilities of our companies as technology and supply chain partners, while opening opportunities for them to participate in emerging global value chains and pursue new areas of growth.”

About SkyDrive Inc.

SkyDrive is a Japanese compact eVTOL company aiming “to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution.” The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. In 2025, the company successfully showcased SKYDRIVE, the company’s first commercial eVTOL product, with demonstration flights at the Osaka Expo witnessed by thousands of visitors over a one-month period. SkyDrive began production of SKYDRIVE in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive’s official production partner. SkyDrive has been working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the U.S. to obtain certification for SKYDRIVE, with the aim of launching the aircraft into service in 2028. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur.

For more information, please visit: https://skydrive.co.jp/en/

Editor’s Note:

(*1) eVTOL is an abbreviation for electric vertical takeoff and landing. As the name suggests, eVTOL aircraft can take off and land without a runway. eVTOLs are powered by electricity and incorporate advanced, automatic, flight control technology.

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