- Grant will support real-world EMS mission development for Valo in Singapore
- Collaboration with Hatch – Singapore’s HTX innovation centre, to trial and validate Proof-of-Concept (POC) for eVTOL use in EMS
- Open innovation programme provides operational insights for Vertical’s hybrid-electric aircraft development, with flight testing planned for H2 2026
Vertical Aerospace (“Vertical”) [NYSE:EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today announced it has been selected as a winner of the “Dimension X Cohort 7 Challenge”, and awarded a Proof-of-concept (POC) grant by Hatch, an innovation centre of Singapore’s Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX) for public safety.
The grant will enable Vertical to develop, test and validate an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) use case for its Valo aircraft platform, its commercial eVTOL aircraft. The project is focused on how electric and hybrid-electric vertical flight could support time-critical medical response for remote island areas around Singapore.
Under the programme, Vertical will work with HTX, Hatch and operational stakeholders to:
- Develop a detailed EMS concept of operations (ConOps) aligned with real operational and regulatory requirements
- Operational insights to evaluate medical cabin configurations for patient transport and in-flight care
- Conduct a proof-of-concept flight demonstration to assess mission feasibility, safety and response times
The project will run through April 2026 and will include collaboration with the Singapore Home Team to assess and trial how eVTOL and VTOL aircraft could complement existing emergency response systems and potentially help improve patient outcomes in critical scenarios.
Vertical was chosen following a competitive selection process, underscoring the safety-first design, cabin mission flexibility and credible certification approach of the Valo aircraft. The programme represents a foundational step toward longer-term collaboration in exploring the introduction of safe, operational Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) applications beyond trials and into real service in Singapore.
The initiative aligns with Singapore’s efforts to develop the AAM industry, led by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and supported by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). These include enabling the safe introduction of next-generation aircraft and growing the AAM ecosystem in Singapore.
Stuart Simpson, CEO Vertical Aerospace, said: “We are proud to work closely with Singapore’s public-sector safety and security experts to explore how electric and hybrid-electric aircraft could support emergency response operations safely and effectively. This is an important step in making AAM a reality in the region.”
Shao Hong Mok, Centre Director (Hatch) and Senior VP, Innovations (TechX Ventures), said: “Through the Dimension X Challenge, HTX partners industry innovators to explore how emerging technologies can responsively address real operational needs. Our collaboration with Vertical Aerospace allows us to assess the potential of Advanced Air Mobility for emergency medical response, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, regulation and operational readiness.”
