EHang, Tsinghua University establish joint research institute to advance low-altitude aviation technology

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- EHang, a Chinese leading company in the urban air mobility ("UAM") field, recently announced the establishment of the Tsinghua University–EHang Joint Institute for Low Altitude Aviation Technology ("JILAAT") in collaboration with Tsinghua University, according to a press release EHang issued on July 11 via its WeChat account.

The institute aims to create a new model for industry-academia cooperation and serve as a hub for innovation in low-altitude aviation technologies, while nurturing top-tier talent to drive the development of China's emerging low-altitude economy.

Photo credit: EHang

Congratulating the launch of the joint institute, Tsinghua University President and Chinese Academy of Sciences academician Mr. Li Luming acknowledged EHang's efforts to promote the ecosystem of new civil aviation and low-altitude economy, and praised the company's role in fostering a new model for university-industry collaboration. He affirmed Tsinghua's commitment to leveraging its academic and research strengths to jointly promote the safe and intelligent growth of the low-altitude economy.

The joint institute will serve as a key platform for advancing core technologies in the low-altitude aviation sector and accelerating the transformation of scientific research into commercial applications. By combining Tsinghua's academic depth in aerospace and engineering with EHang's experience in autonomous aircraft development and commercialization, the institute aims to catalyze sustainable innovation in low-altitude aviation.

At the launch ceremony, the Joint Institute's initial research priorities were outlined. These include aerodynamics and overall design of medium and large autonomous aircraft, propulsion and energy systems, automated flight control, low-altitude airspace management, command center architecture for autonomous flight, and planning and design of takeoff and landing infrastructure.

As a pioneer in autonomous passenger aircraft, EHang said it will contribute its technical expertise and industry know-how to the institute, supporting collaborative research and talent development efforts. The partnership is expected to provide strong momentum for the global expansion of the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) industry.