CAELIS
CAELIS connects researchers, entrepreneurs, aerospace leaders, and investors to accelerate the development of next-generation aerospace technologies and ventures.
Operating at the intersection of AI, aerospace engineering, entrepreneurship, and global industry partnerships, CAELIS builds the innovation pathways required for the future of flight and space.
Our Mission: Building the Aerospace Innovation Ecosystem
CAELIS exists to catalyze innovation in the aerospace sector by connecting:
- Research institutions
- Industry leaders
- Entrepreneurs
- Investors
- Public agencies
Our mission is to accelerate the development and deployment of transformative aerospace technologies through AI-driven innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
CAELIS: Advancing aerospace innovation through AI, entrepreneurship, and global collaboration.
Research Themes
CAELIS research initiatives explore key domains shaping the future of aerospace:
- AI for Aerospace Systems
- Autonomous Flight & Robotics
- Space Economy & Orbital Infrastructure
- Sustainable Aviation Technologies
- Aerospace Data & Digital Infrastructure
This signals real research depth, which universities need.
Focus Areas
AI for Aerospace
CAELIS works to advance the use of artificial intelligence across aerospace applications, including:
- Autonomous flight systems
- Predictive maintenance
- Satellite data analytics
- Air traffic optimization
- Aerospace manufacturing
Entrepreneurship & Venture Creation
We support the creation and scaling of aerospace startups through:
- Startup mentorship
- Investor engagement
- Venture studio collaboration with Horizon
Open Innovation with Industry
We create collaborative programs between aerospace companies and the Berkeley ecosystem to accelerate innovation through:
- Joint research
- Innovation challenges
- Startup partnerships
- Executive engagement
Leadership for the Aerospace Era
We develop responsible and visionary leaders capable of navigating the technological and geopolitical challenges shaping aerospace.
Programs include:
- Executive education
- Innovation leadership programs
- Policy and strategy dialogues
Programs & Initiatives
Research Initiatives
Our collaborative research programs focus on:
- AI-driven aerospace systems
- Space economy innovation
- Sustainable aviation technologies
- Digital infrastructure for aerospace
Innovation Programs
These programs connect startups, researchers, and industry partners.
- Aerospace innovation fellowships
- Startup acceleration initiatives
- Open innovation labs
Student Engagement
We provide Berkeley students with opportunities to participate in aerospace innovation through:
- Research projects
- Entrepreneurship programs
- Venture collaborations
Leadership & Team
Leadership
Faculty Director: Zsolt Katona
Team:
- Gauthier Vasseur: Programs Director
- Raj Pai: Business Development Director
- Kateryna Akymenko: Deep Tech and Security Technologies Director
Advisory Board
Industry leaders from:
- Aerospace companies
- Venture capital
- Research institutions
Affiliated Faculty & Researchers
Faculty and research groups connected to the center.
Partnerships & Sponsorship
Partner with CAELIS
Industry partners collaborate with CAELIS to:
- Access cutting-edge research
- Connect with emerging startups
- Explore AI-driven aerospace innovation
- Engage with Berkeley’s talent ecosystem
Partnership models
- Research sponsorship
- Innovation partnerships
- Corporate memberships
- Joint programs
Events
Sky’s Not the Limit — Aerospace Innovation Series
CAELIS contributes to the Sky’s Not the Limit event series, bringing together:
- Aerospace startups
- Researchers
- Investors
- Industry leaders
- Policymakers
Topics include:
- AI in aerospace
- Commercial space
- Next-generation air mobility
- Aerospace entrepreneurship