The German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) has created a new position on the board, the Startup Representative. The executive committee selected Florian Seibel, co-founder and co-CEO of the Munich-based startup, for this position. Quantum SystemsWith this new function, the BDLI aims to increase the visibility of startups in the aerospace industry and promote them in a targeted manner.
Michael Schoellhorn, BDLI President, Airbus Defence and Space CEO explains:
"Startups are essential for the future viability of our industry. Especially in collaboration with established companies, they can develop enormous innovative power and economic strength. With Florian Seibel, we are gaining one of the most innovative minds in German aerospace for this important role."
Connection between startups and industry
Seibel commented himself:
"As Startup Representative, I will further strengthen the connection between the aerospace industry and our dynamically growing, technology-driven startup ecosystem. Our goal is to promote innovative business models, highlight the future viability of the industry, and, together with startups, play a decisive role in shaping technological development – whether civil or military, in the air or in space."
The BDLI represents more than 260 member companies with approximately €52 billion in annual sales and 120,000 direct employees. Young companies can apply for membership in the association if they have been active on the market for less than five years, employ fewer than 100 people, and generate annual sales of less than €10 million.
The BDLI is part of the European umbrella organization AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe and the Federation of German Industries. Together with partners, it also organizes the ILA Berlin, one of the leading international aerospace exhibitions.
Seibel is co-founder and co-CEO of Quantum Systems. Since its founding, the Munich-based startup has developed into an internationally active company with nine locations in seven countries. Seibel previously served as an officer in the German Armed Forces from 1999 to 2016. He studied aerospace engineering at the Technical University of Munich and later worked as a research associate on unmanned aerial systems.
