Seven new network partners, BDLI, Hirsch Aerospace, E-SkyWing, Skylinesoft, UNWARE, Verticle/ASO, and L.O.P. Solutions, were welcomed in the morning before THI President Professor Walter Schober officially opened the event. ‘Research at our university is increasingly taking place in the third dimension. We are utilising scientific findings from the field of autonomous driving for unmanned flight. We want to become the leading science centre in Bavaria in the field of drone technology,’ said Schober.

Lord Mayor Dr Michael Kern then spoke about the regional significance of the topic: ‘Unmanned aviation is no longer a dream of the future, but part of a far-reaching transformation. Our city wants to play an active role in shaping this change, together with THI, innovative companies, and strong partners in the region.’

The rest of the day focussed on live demonstrations, including autonomous drone swarms for rescue missions, the AT01 research aircraft and a drone vehicle from the Bavarian Red Cross. Central research projects of THI and its partners - such as the ADAM airspace mapping project or questions of navigation in GPS-disturbed environments - were also presented.

In the afternoon, a prominent panel discussion with representatives from the Federal Ministry of Transport, the German Aerospace Industries Association, and the start-up scene discussed the regulatory and strategic future.

A concluding outlook showed how Urban Air Mobility could be integrated into Ingolstadt's urban development, with a planned test field as part of the International Building Exhibition (IBA).

The network meeting underlined once again: Ingolstadt is not only an automotive location, but also a growing centre for innovative air mobility, with vision, research power, and a strong regional alliance.