The vision of the Sustainable Aero Lab is to make climate-neutral aviation a reality.
We globally identify and accelerate startups and projects, which deliver a tangible reduction of the climate footprint of aviation.
We do this by bringing together startups with experienced mentors and investors in live sessions and one-to-one coaching as well as opening doors and finding customers, new projects and partners. Participation in the Lab is free to all startups and admissions are rolling, without deadlines.
In addition, Sustainable Aero Lab serves as a platform where publicly discuss and promote zero-emission aviation technologies, including developments such as SAF and hydrogen.
Sponsors of the Sustainable Aero Lab
Hamburg Investment and Development Bank (IFB)
Hamburg Investment and Development Bank (IFB Hamburg) is a development bank of the city of Hamburg. It supports housing and economic development as well as environmental protection and innovation projects. IFB Hamburg plays a crucial role in supporting the city's overall objectives, contributing to structural and economic policies, social initiatives, and the fulfillment of various public tasks.
Breakthrough Energy
Breakthrough Energy is a collective of organizations united under a common goal: to expedite innovation in sustainable energy and technologies, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By investing in diverse startup ventures focused on concepts like nuclear fusion, high-capacity renewable energy storage, and biofuels generated by microorganisms, Breakthrough Energy plays an important role in propelling the clean energy transition.
Embraer-X
Embraer-X is a venture builder and Embraer’s innovation agent that transforms ideas into innovative businesses, transcending the aviation market and igniting the innovation ecosystem. Crafting a transformative path, it aims for a positive global impact, developing solutions that inspire true grit and foster change. Anchored in three core pillars - Sustainable by Design, Integrated Mobility, and Airborne Info-Systems, Embraer-X epitomizes commitment to innovation and impactful transformation.
Founding Partners of the Sustainable Aero Lab
Density Ventures
Density Ventures is a globally operating investment company, founded by serial entrepreneur Stephan Uhrenbacher, who also serves as CEO of the Sustainable Aero Lab. Stephan is the founder of numerous successful companies, including Qype (50M USD exit to Yelp), Avocadostore, and 9flats. He serves in the advisory board of Lufthansa Innovation Hub and is an experienced mentor at the Creative Destruction Labs in Toronto, Oxford, and Paris, where he was inspired to launch the Sustainable Aero Lab.
Hamburg Aviation
Hamburg Aviation is an award-winning cluster network, representing the entire aerospace community of the Hamburg Metropolitan Region. Its more than 180 members include Airbus, Lufthansa Technik, Hamburg Airport, DLR, Hamburg State, first-tier suppliers as well as dozens of SMEs. Hamburg Aviation serves as the head office for the renowned European Aerospace Cluster Partnership (EACP), and is the founder and organizer of the world-leading seal for innovation in aircraft interiors and passenger experience, the Crystal Cabin Awards.
ZAL - Center of Applied Aeronautical Research
ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research is among the world-leading innovation hubs for civil aviation and a public-private-partnership between major stakeholders in German aerospace. Its 280,000 sq ft ZAL TechCenter in Hamburg hosts 600 skilled experts from more than 30 aerospace companies, startups & institutions – including Airbus, Diehl, DLR German Aerospace Center, Fraunhofer, Liebherr, Lufthansa Technik, Safran, and many more. ZAL‘s test rigs feature AI Lab, Europe‘s largest aerospace acoustics chamber, Laser Shock Peening & AM infrastructures, and advanced hydrogen capacities.