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IP Group Australia has welcomed the decision from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to back development of hydrogen-powered aircraft Vertiia by portfolio company AMSL Aero.

ARENA has committed A$5.43 million to develop a hydrogen fuel cell system to power Vertiia, the world’s most efficient long range zero emissions electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

ARENA’s grant will assist AMSL Aero to demonstrate the feasibility of renewable hydrogen as a fuel to provide a range of up to 1,000km.

IP Group Australia Managing Director and AMSL Aero Board member, Michael Molinari, said development of the Vertiia would continue to progress towards certification after a successful test flight last year.

“Vertiia is designed to achieve a range of up to 1,000km to enable use cases for air ambulance, emergency services, and passenger and cargo transport,” Mr Molinari said.

“The ARENA funding means it will become operational faster and Australians will have earlier access to the aircraft.

“IP Group expects Vertiia will lead the way in decarbonising air transport, both in Australia and overseas.

Vertiia will be able to fly up to 1,000km, which is three times the range of any current eVTOL, which will make it the most efficient aircraft of its type in the world. It has zero carbon emissions and can carry four passengers and a pilot at a cruising speed of 300kph.

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Media Contact for IP Group Australia
Craig Regan

[email protected]

+61 408 448 527

About IP Group

IP Group accelerates the impact of science for a better future, developing and supporting some of the world’s most exciting businesses in deeptech, life sciences and cleantech (led by Kiko Ventures). Our specialist investment team combines sector expertise with an international approach. In Australia and New Zealand, IP Group works in close partnership with the Go8 Universities and the University of Auckland to identify ground-breaking technologies rooted in hard science, which have the most promising commercial potential. We have a strong track record of success, having backed high-profile companies including Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc, First Light Fusion, Hysata, and Oxbotica. IP Group is listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the code IPO.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ipgroupanz.com

About AMSL Aero

AMSL Aero is a sustainable development aerospace company founded in 2017 by Andrew Moore (Co-Founder and CEO), an aeronautical engineer with 20+ years’ experience in the aircraft industry, and Siobhan Lyndon (Co-Founder and COO), who has 20+ years’ experience in the technology, telecommunications, and professional services sectors, including 11 years at Google. AMSL Aero is a home-grown Australian aerospace company, with headquarters in Bankstown, New South Wales and flight test facilities in Wellington, New South Wales. The name “AMSL Aero” is derived from the initials of the founders, husband and wife team, Andrew Moore (‘AM’) and Siobhan Lyndon (‘SL’). AMSL also refers in aviation speak to ‘Above Mean Sea Level’. The team at AMSL Aero comprises experienced aerospace, electrical, avionics, and mechanical engineers, all of whom have contributed to this amazing new aircraft. AMSL Aero is privately backed by investors including IP Group Australia, Telstra Super, Host Plus and St Baker Energy Innovation Fund.