Sustainable Aero Lab Mentorship Program

Founded in December 2020, Sustainable Aero Lab is the world’s leading fast-track program dedicated to accelerating startups in sustainable aviation.

We bring together startups, executives from the aviation and aerospace industries, researchers, and investors in one room, where startups receive highly focused feedback in a transparent live Lab Session, four times a year.

In the first three years since our inception, nearly 100 companies have been accelerated. On top of that, we have facilitated many partnerships and investments.

In our Lab sessions, startups meet mentors in 1:1 settings and discuss their projects. Later during the day, mentors will discuss the most important short-term objectives for the founders, with each mentor bringing in her or his personal feedback based on individual experience.

In between sessions, mentors select startups they want to mentor individually. The maximum of sessions a startup can participate in the program is four. Open innovation and confidentiality are maintained throughout the program.

Apart from mentors and startups, the Lab Sessions are open to selected guests, all of whom may contribute to the discussion as well.

Sustainable Aero Lab Mentorship Program

We focus on startups showing the potential of delivering a meaningful contribution to aviation sustainability. Eligible projects can range from small parts of the value chain up to entire aircraft, and should fall in one or more of our core pillars:

  • SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuels)

  • Hydrogen

  • Electrification

  • Novel Aircraft Designs, Materials and Processes

  • Efficient Propulsion

  • Better Processes

Drop-In Session for Startups

Every Thursday at 5:00 PM CET, Sustainable Aero Lab hosts a weekly Drop-In Session designed specifically for startups who are interested in learning more about the Lab and the opportunities we offer.

Startup path through out the full Program

Benefits for Startups

Startup participants in the Program have access to extra benefits:

Exclusive Events & Networks

  • Access to masterclasses on the hottest topics for startups in aviation (IP, approaching VCs, etc)

  • Connection with public & partner events of the Sustainable Aero Lab

  • Access to startup huddles, alumni events & round tables, where startups can meet with each other and collaborate

Hardware Space at ZAL

  • 70 m2 office space reserved to Lab startups at zero rent at ZAL TechCenter in Hamburg

  • Direct access to 600 researchers from 35 partners, as well as high-end R&T infrastructure

  • The chance to build & test your concepts at the world's leading commercial aviation innovation center

Software Platform

  • Access to 3DEXPERIENCE software platform at zero cost

  • Ability to simulate your entire product life cycle on a single digital-twin platform for collaboration and data continuity

  • Includes CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, SIMULIA, ENOVIA, 3DEXCITE etc. for CAD, Simulation, PLM, visualizations

Join us!

Currently, we have no application deadlines. Startups can join the program at any time.

The next Lab Sessions for startups will take place: