Hyogo Advanced Air Mobility Lab

Akihabara News (Tokyo) — On April 27, the Hyogo Prefectural Government announced the establishment of the Hyogo Advanced Air Mobility (HAAM) lab, staking their claim to the emerging eVTOL industry.

The initiative is a virtual laboratory that will aim to promote the eVTOL industry, foster social acceptance, support the efforts of student researchers, and to develop human resources necessary for the industry to prosper.

Hyogo Governor Motohiko Saito, who presided over the press event, explained, “I think it is important to take the lead in implementing the flying car society.”

Other partners in the prefecture’s initiative are the diversified trading company Kanematsu Corporation, engineering firm Chuo Fukken Consultants, human resources specialist Pasona Group, and travel company Buzzport.

Specific goals for HAAM include the revitalization of the local economy through the eVTOL industry, the creation of new tourism-related products, and mentoring of the research activities of local high school and university students.

A virtual space will be constructed to facilitate communication between the participants. Also, about ten students will be selected to participate in a special lecture series to introduce them to the latest developments in the eVTOL industry.

Kinuko Yamamoto, vice-president of the Pasona Group, stated, “Distance is a disadvantage for local businesses. But with the arrival of flying cars, it seems to me that this disadvantage can be transformed into profitability. Above all, I look forward to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of young people.”

The prefectural government first decided that it would create a collaborative eVTOL project last June.

Hyogo Prefecture, whose capital is Kobe city, is located next to Osaka. It plans to participate actively in the 2025 World Expo, at which the Japanese eVTOL industry will attempt to take the global stage.