Flugauto was selected, out of over 900 applicants, as a finalist in the Smart Cities, Transportation & Logistics category for the 2020 annual SXSW Pitch®, the "premier competition for the hottest trends in tech representing the future". The competition takes place during the Startup Track of the SXSW Conference, with 50 startups chosen to compete based on the technological innovation brought to their fields. One winner will be selected from each category, and the most promising project will receive the Best In Show award. The Flugauto team will be presenting their innovations to a panel of expert judges in front of a live audience during SXSW Pitch.

Awarded the 2020 IEEE N3XT® Star, by the prestigious IEEE, that recognizes best-in-class technology startups that have engineering-driven innovation at their core and additionally have an impact that aligns with the IEEE mission to foster technology, innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity. Testament to the ground-breaking engineering work the Flugauto team is carrying out!

Flugauto was selected as one of the Top Picks at TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco 2019. TechCrunch Disrupt is the world's leading conference for debuting revolutionary startups, introducing game-changing technologies and discussing what's top of mind for the tech industry's key innovators. The program showcases outstanding early-stage startups across various categories and Flugauto was one of the selected startups in the mobility track. Participating at their San Francisco conference, 2nd - 4th of October 2019, Flugauto pitched to investors and showcased their technology.

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Despite the cold weather in Michigan USA, the R&D team has successfully completed flight tests with one the earlier prototypes and tested the vertical take-off/ landing and horizontal flight, including transition. The team will now focus on maximizing flight time to collect valuable flight data, test component performance and validate design choices. All these data points will become important input for future iterations as we get closer to the commercially-ready UAV. Stay tuned for videos and further updates.

Luxaviation has signed an MoU with Flugauto to help provide regulatory, safety, and training-management services to the VTOL startup company. Flugauto’s company vision includes development of the technology, operations, and infrastructure associated with its VTOL vehicle and its ability to deliver goods. Frank Noppel, CEO of Flugauto said: “We are excited here at Flugauto to partner with Luxaviation, with their tremendous regulatory and operational experience, to bring our innovative VTOL technology to the European markets and disrupt the global logistics space”.

While discussions surrounding the VTOL market continue, Luxaviation noted existing hurdles within the industry. “The VTOL business, which is changing the way we perceive logistics, mobility in general and specifically aviation, is technically advanced in hardware manufacturing and the development of applications, but the [VTOL] industry lacks knowledge and experience of regulations, pilot training, and safety quality management,” said Luxaviation CEO Patrick Hansen. “Luxaviation can close this loophole with certified services, enabling Flugauto and the VTOL industry to provide a seamless and state-of-the-art service offer.”

Christophe Lapierre, Chief Commercial Officer of Luxaviation Group added: “We are thrilled to contribute to the innovative VTOL market and help develop the evolution of the logistics, mobility and aviation worldwide. Entering the VTOL market and developing it as an additional business line of Luxaviation Group, after private jet and helicopter aircraft operations, is a logical consequence for Luxaviation as one of the largest private aircraft operators worldwide”.