Toyota City, Japan. SkyDrive Inc. (SkyDrive), a leading compact eVTOL aircraft developer based in Japan, on September 25 announced that it has received the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award (MLIT Award) at the Japan Startup Awards 2026.
Hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the government-sponsored awards programme honours startups that have created high-impact businesses to serve as role models for the next generation.
SkyDrive was recognised for its technological achievements in developing compact, highly economical eVTOL aircraft designed for daily transportation. Amid intensifying global competition in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), SkyDrive has steadily advanced its aircraft development, including conducting Japan’s first public crewed flight test in 2020 and completing demonstration flights at Expo 2025 Osaka.
The selection committee commended SkyDrive for driving the once-in-a-century mobility revolution forward to address urban traffic congestion and regional mobility challenges.
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, founder and CEO of SkyDrive, attended the commendation ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence. At the commendation ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi experienced operating the SKYDRIVE eVTOL aircraft over Tokyo via a flight simulator.
When inquired about the company’s business progress following Expo 2025 Osaka, the Prime Minister was shown video footage of high-speed flights and briefed on global pre-order figures. Offering her encouragement, she remarked, “It is truly remarkable how far you have come.”
“We are deeply honoured to receive the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award,” said Fukuzawa. “Since our founding, we have been dedicated to making daily air mobility a reality through safe, compact and cost-effective eVTOL aircraft. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our team, partners and supporters. We will continue working closely with civil aviation authorities and industry partners to prepare for our commercial launch in 2028.”
