French deeptech HyLight raises €13M to industrialise autonomous hydrogen-powered airships
HyLight, the French startup specialising in aerial inspection of critical infrastructure using autonomous hydrogen-powered airships, has raised €13 million from Rubio Impact Ventures, DRW, and Teampac...
French deeptech firm HyLight has secured €13 million in funding to commercialise its autonomous hydrogen-powered airships for infrastructure inspection. Founded in 2022 and headquartered at Air Base 217 in Brétigny-sur-Orge, France, HyLight builds and operates its own hydrogen-powered airships that combine high-precision inspections with AI analysis.
The company, backed by Y Combinator and Ring Capital, has transitioned from research to commercial deployment, replacing helicopter inspections for major French infrastructure operators like Enedis, NaTran, and SNCF Réseau. HyLight's 12-meter-long HyLighter can fly up to 350 kilometres in a single mission, covering thousands of kilometres across France and several European countries.
The aircraft, powered by hydrogen, emits no direct emissions and operates with minimal noise, capable of carrying up to 10 kg of sensors for detailed inspections. HyLight has secured flight authorisations from French and European regulators, allowing its aircraft to operate over critical infrastructure in various environments and navigate public acceptance concerns.
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