Airbus and Solar Impulse launch partnership to drive sustainable innovation
March 25, 2025
The Airbus Foundation and Solar Impulse Foundation have announced a three-year partnership to accelerate global sustainability efforts.
The initiative will focus on identifying and supporting scalable projects that tackle environmental challenges.
Through this partnership, successful applicants will gain access to Airbus’ aerospace expertise, including satellite data for Earth observation and helicopters for aerial assessment and verification.
These resources will support projects addressing critical issues such as ecosystem degradation, water security, and disaster risk management, enabling solutions like satellite-based environmental monitoring.
The Solar Impulse Foundation will contribute its expertise in identifying, evaluating, and promoting nature-based solutions, leveraging its extensive cleantech network.
It will also play a key advocacy role, engaging policymakers to drive sustainable policy changes.
Starting from 1 April, the two foundations will seek project proposals. Selected initiatives will receive €10,000 in seed funding along with technical expertise to help scale their impact.
Airbus Chief Sustainability Officer and Chair of the Airbus Foundation, Julie Kitcher, said: “Aerospace technologies allow us to unlock information about our planet that we cannot access from the ground. Using Airbus’ expertise in satellites and helicopters, we’re committed to empowering innovators and researchers to develop solutions that address pressing environmental and social challenges.
“The Solar Impulse Foundation has a high level of expertise in supporting climate projects and through this partnership, we are aiming to create new pathways for innovative projects to increase climate resilience and support local communities.”
Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation, added: “By combining aerospace technology with nature-based solutions, we can turn innovation into impact.
“Our partnership with the Airbus Foundation demonstrates how advanced capabilities like satellite imagery can help restore ecosystems, support economic development, and build climate resilience where it’s needed most.”
