Will the partnership involve joint R&D or technology sharing that could create IP value?

Short answer:

The press release does not spell out any explicit “joint‑R&D” programme or formal technology‑sharing agreement, but the nature of a long‑term strategic partnership to build the airframe for an advanced eVTOL aircraft almost inevitably entails collaborative engineering, design‑validation and integration work. That sort of close‑knit cooperation almost always generates new technical know‑how and, consequently, intellectual‑property (IP) value for both parties.

Why the partnership is likely to involve joint development and IP creation

Typical IP‑generating activities in this type of partnership

1. Co‑development of composite lay‑up schedules – New fiber‑resin systems, tailored stiffness‑to‑weight ratios, and manufacturing‑process optimizations are often jointly invented.
2. Structural analysis models – Finite‑element models that capture the interaction between the airframe and the electric propulsion system (e.g., battery mounting, motor torque loads) are usually co‑owned or jointly licensed.
3. Tooling and manufacturing processes – Automated fiber placement (AFP), out‑of‑autoclave curing cycles, and additive‑manufacturing of load‑critical brackets can be co‑engineered, creating novel process patents.
4. Certification data packages – Test‑data, validation protocols, and compliance documentation for a first‑of‑its‑kind eVTOL airframe are valuable assets that both sides may share and protect.
5. System‑integration interfaces – Electrical harness routing, cooling‑system integration, and vibration‑isolation schemes are areas where both companies must exchange proprietary knowledge.

What the press release does not say

• No mention of a joint‑venture or co‑owned IP clause.
• No explicit reference to research labs, technology‑transfer agreements, or shared patents.
• No statement that either party will grant the other licensing rights to newly created technologies.

These omissions are typical of a public‑facing announcement; detailed contractual terms are usually confidential.

Bottom line

• Is there an explicit joint‑R&D program? Not stated in the released text.
• Will there be any collaborative engineering and technology sharing? Almost certainly, because delivering a custom eVTOL airframe requires both parties to co‑design, co‑validate, and co‑manufacture key structural elements.
• Will that collaboration generate IP value? Yes. The joint development of new composites, manufacturing processes, structural analysis tools, and certification data will create protectable technical knowledge that will be valuable to both Vertical Aerospace and Aciturri, even if the precise ownership and licensing terms have not been disclosed.

In summary, while the announcement doesn’t spell out a formal “joint‑R&D” label, the depth and duration of the partnership imply substantial collaborative work that will inevitably produce new, IP‑rich technology for both companies.