Airbus Foundation Joins Forces With The Solar Impulse Foundation To Boost Climate Action

Airbus and Solar Impulse Unite

The Airbus Foundation and the Solar Impulse Foundation have initiated a three-year collaboration focused on promoting global sustainability by encouraging innovation and teamwork. This partnership aims to identify and expedite the adoption of scalable nature-based projects that tackle urgent global issues.

Thanks to this partnership, successful applicants will gain access to extensive resources, including Airbus’ aerospace expertise, such as satellite data for earth observation and helicopters for effective aerial assessment and verification. These resources will empower the selected projects to tackle pressing societal challenges, ranging from ecosystem degradation and water security to natural disaster risks, and develop solutions like satellite environmental monitoring systems.

Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation says, “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.”

The Solar Impulse Foundation will apply its expertise to identify, evaluate, and promote nature-based solutions for maximum impact. It will also offer access to a vast network of cleantech organizations and advocate with decision-makers to foster sustainable policy changes.

Airbus Chief Sustainability Officer and Chair of the Airbus Foundation, Julie Kitcher, says, “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.”

Starting April 1, the two foundations will proactively invite proposals that leverage aerospace capabilities for nature-based solutions. Chosen projects will be awarded €10K in seed funding and will gain access to technical expertise to enhance their impact. 

This collaboration enhances the Airbus Foundation's aim of partnering with key organizations to create innovative environmental solutions by utilizing Airbus's unique technologies. By providing access to critical data, advanced tools, and specialized resources, this partnership will enable communities to better anticipate and address the impacts of climate change.