EHang and Tsinghua University establish JILAAT to advance low-altitude aviation technology innovation

EHang Holdings Limited (EHang or the company) has announced the establishment of the Tsinghua University–Guangzhou EHang Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. Joint Institute for Low-Altitude Aviation Technology (JILAAT), in collaboration with Tsinghua University, one of the world’s top academic institutions.

JILAAT will establish a world-class research center for scientific research, technology innovation and talent development in the low-altitude aviation field.

By exploring new models for industry-academia collaboration, the institute aims to drive breakthroughs and applications in core technologies that support the sustainable growth of the low-altitude economy.

Before the unveiling ceremony, Tsinghua University President and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Luming Li, along with Executive Vice President Rong Zeng, met with Zhao Wang, chief operating officer of EHang, and his delegation.

Li congratulated the establishment of JILAAT and thanked EHang for advancing a new model of university–enterprise collaboration focused on emerging civil aviation and the low-altitude economy.

He noted that Tsinghua would leverage its strengths in education and research to work closely with EHang in promoting the high-quality development of a safe and intelligent low-altitude economy.

At the launch event, Rong Zeng, executive vice president of Tsinghua University; Yiqun Liu, director of Tsinghua’s Research and Development Affairs Office; Bingyang Cao, dean of the School of Aerospace Engineering; Haixin Chen, vice dean of the School of Aerospace Engineering; and EHang leaders including Chief Operating Officer Zhao Wang, Senior Vice Presidents Shuai Feng and Longxuan Hu, and Vice President Ping Huang, witnessed the establishment of JILAAT.

The event marked a key milestone in advancing low-altitude aviation development.

EHang and Tsinghua University aim to leverage JILAAT to accelerate scientific research and transform cutting-edge research into real-world applications.

The collaboration brings together Tsinghua’s academic strengths in aerospace and engineering with EHang’s practical expertise in low-altitude aircraft R&D, manufacturing and commercial deployment—creating a robust platform for innovation and sustainable development in the low-altitude aviation ecosystem.

Tsinghua University is a world-class institution with strong research capabilities and talent development.

JILAAT will integrate university research teams focused on low-altitude aviation technologies, including the School of Aerospace Engineering, School of Vehicle and Mobility, School of Architecture, Department of Computer Science, Department of Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Department of Electrical Engineering.

The institute will address critical technology challenges in the sector, advance academic research, and accelerate the industrialization of low-altitude aviation technology.

Rong Zeng, executive vice president of Tsinghua University and chair of the JILAAT Management Committee, stated:

“Tsinghua University and EHang, a leading industry enterprise, have jointly established JILAAT for low-altitude aviation technology—an important step to deepen collaboration among industry, academia and research, and to support the national low-altitude economy. Looking ahead, we will leverage Tsinghua’s interdisciplinary advantages and EHang’s innovation capacity to cooperate on low-altitude aircraft design, new power systems, autonomous flight, flight communications and supervision. Together, we will build a full-chain innovation system from basic research to industrial application. We aim to construct core theories, achieve technological breakthroughs and integrate science and industry deeply. Through JILAAT, we will also explore new collaborative education models and cultivate innovative talent to meet urgent needs in the low-altitude economy.”

At the event, Haixin Chen, vice dean of the School of Aerospace Engineering and president of JILAAT, outlined the institute’s key research areas.

These include aerodynamic and overall design for medium- to large-sized autonomous aircraft, energy and propulsion systems, autonomous flight control, low-altitude flight supervision, command centers for autonomous vehicles, and planning and design of takeoff and landing infrastructure.

EHang is a technology-driven company with strong ties to Tsinghua University. The company’s founder, along with several senior executives and technical staff, are Tsinghua alumni.

In February 2025, the Aerospace and Intelligent Manufacturing Committee of the Tsinghua University Guangzhou Alumni Association was inaugurated at EHang Future City in Guangzhou, with EHang serving as the founding chair organization. As a pioneer in low-altitude aviation, EHang contributes its technological expertise, pilotless aerial vehicle experience and commitment to collaborative research, talent development and global eVTOL progress.

Huazhi Hu, founder, chairman and CEO of EHang, and vice chair of the JILAAT Management Committee, remarked:

“Innovation is EHang’s core value and key to our leadership in the industry. With strong ties to Tsinghua, we are proud to co-establish JILAAT to integrate academic research, industry experience and real-world applications. This will help modernize the aerospace sector and accelerate scalable growth in the low-altitude economy. With Tsinghua’s research strengths and government support, we aim to build a safe, smart and sustainable new era in low-altitude aviation.”

Zhao Wang, chief operating officer of EHang and a member of the JILAAT Management Committee, added:

“The future of the low-altitude economy depends on strong research and talent. JILAAT marks a new chapter of deeper industry-academia integration. Combining world-class academic resources with EHang’s applied expertise will drive key breakthroughs, promote emerging interdisciplinary fields and develop high-level talent—supporting the global advancement of the low-altitude aviation industry.”

Following the unveiling, JILAAT held its inaugural Management Committee meeting. During the meeting, members approved the institute’s charter and reviewed the five-year development plan, annual work plan and research proposals—formally launching the institute’s operations.

This press release was prepared and distributed by EHang.