SkyDrive Wins Prestigious Ministry Award at Japan Startup Awards 2026

Recognized for development of compact, cost-effective eVTOL aircraft and contributions to future transportation solutions

(“SkyDrive”), a leading compact eVTOL aircraft (*1) developer based in Japan, today announced that it has received the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award (MLIT Award) at the Japan Startup Awards 2026. Hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the government-sponsored awards program honors startups that have created high-impact businesses to serve as role models for the next generation.

SkyDrive was recognized for its technological achievements in developing compact, highly economical eVTOL aircraft designed for daily transportation. Amid intensifying global competition in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), SkyDrive has steadily advanced its aircraft development, including conducting Japan’s first public crewed flight test in 2020 and completing demonstration flights at Expo 2025 Osaka. The selection committee commended SkyDrive for driving the once-in-a-century mobility revolution forward to address urban traffic congestion and regional mobility challenges.

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, founder and CEO of SkyDrive, attended the commendation ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence. At the commendation ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi experienced operating the SKYDRIVE eVTOL aircraft over Tokyo via a flight simulator. When inquiring about the company’s business progress following Expo 2025 Osaka, the Prime Minister was shown video footage of high-speed flights and briefed on global pre-order figures. Offering her encouragement, she remarked, “It is truly remarkable how far you have come.”

“We are deeply honored to receive the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award,” said Fukuzawa. “Since our founding, we have been dedicated to making daily air mobility a reality through safe, compact and cost-effective eVTOL aircraft. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our team, partners and supporters. We will continue working closely with civil aviation authorities and industry partners to prepare for our commercial launch in 2028.”

… notes from SP

About the Japan Startup Awards
The Japan Startup Awards recognize entrepreneurs and startups that have created innovative businesses with significant societal impact. The program aims to foster an entrepreneurial mindset across society and highlight the importance of tackling new challenges.

About the SKYDRIVE (SD-05 model)
Designed for commercial service launch in 2028, the SKYDRIVE (SD-05 model) is a lightweight, compact and quiet eVTOL aircraft compared to conventional helicopters. Its electric power-train features a simplified structure, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. Operating with a small footprint, the aircraft can take off and land in limited spaces, such as building rooftops in urban centers.
In March 2024, SkyDrive initiated serial production at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive’s official production partner, capable of producing up to 100 aircraft annually. In flight testing, SkyDrive verified stable flight performance at speeds of 100 km/h in June 2026 and has achieved more than 300 accident-free flight tests to date.

Visit
WWAEN.org
The #1 AAM, UAM, UAV & UAS Aerospace Career & Employment Network

Find Employment and Launch Your Career in AAM, UAM, UAV, UAS and Autonomous Aerospace worldwide.

Visit
AAMTrader.com
The world’s dedicated marketplace for electric and hybrid eVTOL, eSTOL, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), Urban Air Mobility (UAM), and RPA, UAV, aircraft, connecting buyers and sellers of aircraft, drones, parts, equipment, and services across the global advanced aviation industry.

Visit
AAMELF.org
Advanced Air Medical Emergency Life Flights+ Medical AAM/UAM/UAV/UAS/RPA Logistic Platform

About The Author

EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World!

EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation.

EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck.
This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries.

About EVVTOL

• EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs!

• EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology.

• EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain.

(evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

See author's posts

EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World! EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation. EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck. This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries. About EVVTOL • EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs! • EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology. • EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain. (evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

See Full Bio