UK-based clean tech company Hyflux has struck a partnership agreement with New Zealand’s Wellington UniVentures as it develops next generation aviation electronic propulsion systems.

News of the tie-up was announced this week as the aerospace and defence sector is due to converge on Le Bourget Airport in France for the biennial Paris Air Show.

Wellington UniVentures is the commercialisation arm of Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington, which excels in research and teaching.

Hyflux, which is based in Swansea, Wales, with partner on high-efficiency superconducting motor technology and cryogenic cooling systems, both of which are key to enabling ultra-lightweight, high- performance electric propulsion for aircraft.

The firm said the exclusive agreement “strengthens its position in zero-emission aviation and maritime transport and deepens global access to critical intellectual property (IP) developed by the University’s Paihau— Robinson Research Institute.

Paul Perera, chief executive and co-founder of Hyflux, said: “Formalising this agreement transforms our collaboration into a powerful platform for delivery.

“With secured access to superconducting motor and cryogenic cooling IP owned by Wellington UniVentures, Hyflux is now positioned to lead the next generation of zero-emission propulsion for both aviation and maritime applications.”

Hyfluix added that the partnership builds on a shared mission “to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport using advanced technologies”.

The firm’s primary focus is aviation and developing scalable propulsion systems that meet the demanding power density and certification requirements for electric aircraft.

Pierre Malou, chief executive of Wellington UniVentures, said: “Hyflux’s ambition and clarity of vision make them an ideal partner.

“We’re excited to see these technologies not only reach the runway but also take to the oceans—creating commercial impact from deep scientific expertise.”

The agreement includes commercial terms for joint R&D, milestone-based investment, and a defined path toward full licensing.

Ongoing R&D collaboration with Robinson Research Institute will focus on scaling cryogenic cooling solutions, a key enabler of the company’s superconducting motor designs.