The Story Behind AerogridUAV
Origin & Mission
AerogridUAV is a TU Delft spin-off founded to close critical capability gaps in autonomous aerial operations for NATO member states. Developed through a five-year collaboration between TU Delft’s MAVLab and the Royal Netherlands Navy, Aerogrid strengthens European technological sovereignty through advanced UAV capabilities.
Upon spinning out, Aerogrid secured full patent rights to its Variable Skew Quad Plane (VSQP) technology — a breakthrough enabling all-weather VTOL performance and a cornerstone of Europe’s strategic aerospace autonomy.
Dual-Use Innovation
Aerogrid develops technologies that serve both defense and commercial markets. Our systems support missions such as naval ISTAR, tactical reconnaissance, and maritime patrol, as well as offshore inspection, emergency response, and search and rescue.
This dual-use approach ensures our technology strengthens European security, improves operational safety, and enhances industrial competitiveness, while maintaining sovereignty over critical aerospace capabilities.
Team & Expertise
Our multidisciplinary team combines deep aerospace engineering expertise with practical hands-on experience. Shaped by TU Delft, most of our team either hold or are pursuing TU Delft degrees. Two of our three founders lead research in autonomous UAV systems at the MAVLab; one PhD completed, one underway.
Grounded in rigorous research and regular field testing, the team designs systems that meet the highest standards of mission reliability and civilian safety.
Operations & Strategic Partnerships
From our Delft facility, located at the Aerospace Innovation Hub in TU Delft’s Aerospace department, Aerogrid maintains full control over design, manufacturing, and testing — ensuring quality, security, and EU production compliance.
Aerogrid is collaborating with leading European institutions, including the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and major port authorities, while partnering with established industry players to scale both hardware manufacturing and software development across Europe.
These partnerships position Aerogrid at the forefront of European defense modernization and autonomous system integration.
“Our mission is to give Europe the freedom to operate anywhere — through autonomous systems built for certainty.”
— Jack Hayton, co-founder