VTT, Finland’s National Research Institute, Visits JUIDA
On October 7, 2025, JUIDA (Japan UAS Industrial Development Association) welcomed two representatives from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., a long-standing international partner of JUIDA, to its headquarters in Tokyo. The delegation, leading VTT’s international collaboration and business development efforts, was received by JUIDA Vice President Senda and Secretary General Kumada, among others. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for a meaningful exchange of ideas between the two organizations.
JUIDA and VTT:A Partnership Beyond Borders
Since signing an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) in 2020, JUIDA and VTT have continuously deepened their cooperation in the fields of drones and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) between Japan and Europe. Their partnership extends beyond formal agreements, evolving into a strategic and practical collaboration through participation in international research projects and reciprocal advisory activities.
A notable example of this collaboration is the AiRMOUR Project, led by the European Union. This project focused on implementing UAM solutions such as emergency medical deliveries using drones. JUIDA participated as a member of the International Advisory Board, while VTT served as the project coordinator, taking a leading role in conducting field demonstrations and contributing to the development of Europe’s U-space, the air traffic management framework for unmanned aircraft.
About VTT:A Leading Applied Research Organization in Europe
VTT is a state-owned applied research institute fully funded by the Finnish government and one of Europe’s largest research and technology organizations, employing approximately 2,400 researchers. For over 80 years, VTT has been at the forefront of innovation across a wide range of advanced fields, including energy, mobility, biotechnology, and quantum computing.
A key strength of VTT lies in its focus on societal implementation of research. The institute fosters innovation through its startup ecosystem, creating around 50 spin-off companies each year. VTT actively promotes applied research aimed at commercialization and maintains strong partnerships with private industries, universities, and supranational institutions such as the EU. Through these collaborations, VTT plays an influential role in policy-making, standardization, and technology deployment across Europe.
Significance of the Visit
During the visit, JUIDA and VTT reaffirmed their long-standing partnership and explored new opportunities for future collaboration. The discussions covered the current state and challenges of the drone industry in both Japan and Finland, frameworks for supporting startups, and regulatory design for social implementation of UAM technologies. The meeting served as a valuable occasion to share insights and align perspectives for continued international cooperation.
JUIDA and VTT will continue to work closely together to promote the advancement of the drone industry and to contribute to the harmonization of international regulatory frameworks in the field of unmanned aviation.
■For more information, please contact:
JUIDA International Relations and Development:ohzora@uas-japan.org
