Future Mobility Campus Ireland: aerial mobility test environment
The Challenge
Prior to the establishment of Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI) in Shannon, several aerial mobility challenges were identified:
- Lack of testing and certification facilities: the burgeoning Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) market, projected to reach $133.5 billion by 2026, faced a significant gap in testing and certification infrastructure. This deficiency hindered the development and validation of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, crucial for integrating drones into commercial airspace.
- Absence of vertiport infrastructure: the region lacked dedicated vertiports to support the operation of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This absence impeded the advancement of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) services, such as air taxis and cargo deliveries, limiting efficient transportation alternatives.
- Integration with existing air traffic management: there was a need to develop Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems to ensure the safe integration of UAVs with manned aircraft. The absence of such systems posed risks to airspace safety and efficiency.
- Limited research and development ecosystem: the region lacked a collaborative ecosystem for stakeholders to innovate and test aerial mobility solutions in real-world settings. This gap stifled the progression of AAM technologies and their adoption.
FMCI's establishment addressed these challenges by providing state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated vertiport, drone port, and comprehensive testing.
Who can apply?
The Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI) opportunity is open to a wide range of organisations and consortia focused on advancing smart mobility, autonomous vehicle technology, and urban transportation solutions. Eligible applicants include:
- Automotive and transport companies: OEMs, Tier 1 & Tier 2 suppliers, and mobility service providers seeking to test and validate connected, autonomous, electric, and shared mobility solutions.
- Technology and software developers: companies specialising in AI, IoT, digital twins, and simulation software (e.g., CARLA, SUMO) looking to enhance mobility innovation.
- Research institutions and universities: academic entities working on transport modelling, smart cities, and sustainable mobility research.
- Government and public sector bodies: city councils, transport authorities, and urban planners aiming to implement data-driven policies and infrastructure improvements.
- Startups and SMEs: emerging companies developing disruptive mobility solutions, including EV infrastructure, autonomous vehicle components, and smart city technologies.
- Consortia and EU-Funded Projects: multi-stakeholder collaborations seeking a real-world testbed for Horizon Europe, CEF, and other mobility-focused initiatives.
FMCI provides an integrated test environment, real-world smart city infrastructure, and advanced simulation tools to support applicants in validating and deploying future mobility solutions.
Background
Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI) is pioneering the advancement of aerial mobility by providing a real-world testbed for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and drone-based transport solutions. Located in Shannon, FMCI leverages its proximity to Shannon Airport, controlled airspace, and a dedicated vertiport to enable testing and validation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), eVTOL aircraft, and drone logistics services.
The demand for efficient, sustainable aerial transport has increased due to urban congestion, last-mile delivery inefficiencies, and the need for emergency response improvements.
The facility supports V2X connectivity, 5G-enabled real-time data sharing, and AI-driven traffic management, enabling seamless coordination between aerial and ground mobility. With EU regulatory alignment and partnerships with aviation authorities, FMCI provides a controlled, scalable ecosystem for businesses, researchers, and public agencies to test and deploy next-generation aerial mobility solutions. This opportunity empowers organisations to shape the future of air transport, from drone deliveries to passenger eVTOL operations.
