French Startup HyLight Secures $4M Funding for Hydrogen-Powered Airships

In a bid to revolutionize aerial inspections, French startup HyLight has announced securing $4 million (€3.7 million) in seed funding. The investment is earmarked for advancing the development and certification of hydrogen-powered small airships.

A Visionary Leap Forward

HyLight, a graduate of Silicon Valley’s prestigious Y Combinator startup acceleration program, aims to transform the landscape of energy infrastructure monitoring. Spearheaded by co-founder and CEO Martin Bocken, the company’s mission stems from the realization that conventional inspection methods, predominantly reliant on costly helicopters, are in need of modernization.

Redefining Flight with Hydrogen Power

Speaking to AeroTime, Bocken elucidated HyLight’s journey towards innovation. Initially conceived as a classical drone project, the team recognized the limitations posed by drones’ endurance and range. Embracing hydrogen as a high-energy fuel, HyLight shifted its focus towards the development of airships.

The Ingenious Design

HyLight’s airships, buoyed by helium, feature a proprietary powertrain powered by hydrogen fuel cells driving electric motors. Compact enough to fit within a trailer, these airships offer unparalleled endurance, capable of remaining airborne for up to 10 hours while cruising at a speed of 35 kilometers per hour.

Versatile Payloads for Diverse Needs

Equipped with a payload capacity of 10 kilograms, HyLight’s airships cater to a myriad of inspection needs. From standard cameras to methane detectors crucial for pipeline inspections, the payload can be tailored to suit specific requirements.

Charting a Course for the Future

With the funding secured, HyLight is poised to expedite the certification process. Already operating a test prototype, the company envisions a fleet of at least 200 airships gracing the skies by 2030. However, HyLight’s ambitions extend beyond mere production, as they aim to offer “inspection as a service” to companies in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

A Beacon of Innovation

HyLight emerges as a luminary in the realm of aerial technology, casting its brilliance upon the canvas of the skies. As the company navigates the uncharted territories of flight, one thing remains certain—the future of aerial inspections is poised for a transformative leap forward.