World Expo 2025 Osaka offered the perfect landing for Queensland aerospace company Stralis Aircraft to sign an aviation deal with Akita University and Akita Prefectural University.
In a significant step for international clean aviation collaboration, Queensland aerospace innovator Stralis Aircraft has officially signed an MoU with the Joint Research Centre for Electric Architecture at Akita University and Akita Prefectural University at World Expo 2025 Osaka.
Accelerating hydrogen electric aviation technology
This partnership will fast-track hydrogen electric aircraft development and aviation workforce training.
Under the agreement, Stralis will test its hydrogen electric propulsion components at one of Japan’s most advanced electric aircraft testbeds, operated by the Joint Research Centre for Electric Architecture in Akita’s state of the art all electric aircraft testbed, one of the most sophisticated of its kind in Japan.
Developing global aviation skills
The deal will also support new training and skills pathways for future aviation engineers and technicians, backed by industry and academic partnerships.
Stralis’ proprietary hydrogen electric system is six times lighter than existing fuel cell solutions, enabling hydrogen aircraft to fly ten times further than battery electric alternatives, at half the cost of fossil fuel-powered planes.
Queensland's international showcase at World Expo 2025
The signing took place during a dedicated International Education, Research and Innovation Showcase hosted by The Honourable Ros Bates MP Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training at the Australia Pavilion, where Queensland is a Gold Partner.
“Japan has been a global leader in aerospace and hydrogen innovation for decades.
This partnership will accelerate our hydrogen aircraft technology development and facilitate skills and knowledge exchange between our organisations.
It will also allow Stralis to create cutting edge research and innovation jobs in Queensland, so our workforce is prepared to manufacture and export advanced aircraft technology in the future.”
Bob Criner, Stralis Aircraft Co-Founder and CEO.
Bob Criner, Co-Founder and CEO of Queensland aerospace company, Stralis Aircraft, signing the aviation deal with Akita University and Akita Prefectural University.
"We look forward to contributing to both talent development and a more sustainable future,”
Junichi Sakaki, Director of the Joint Research Center for Electric Architecture, Akita University and Akita Prefectural University.
Future-forward initiatives and partnerships
Stralis will work with Akita University and Akita Prefectural University to advance aircraft propulsion systems, workforce training and joint research.
The partnership was facilitated by Japanese industrial leader IHI and supported by Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ).
Stralis Aircraft is also planning to fly its ‘Bonanza’ hydrogen electric demonstration aircraft in Japan in late 2026, showcasing the commercial and environmental viability of its technology.
Strengthening Queensland and Japan ties
This agreement adds momentum to Queensland’s broader trade strategy in Japan announced earlier this month.
Tak Adachi
Queensland Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner – North Asia
Tak leads Queensland’s Japan team, as well as overseeing Trade and Investment Commissioners in Taiwan and Korea. He has been Queensland Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for Japan, one of the state’s largest export markets, since 2004.
Tak Adachi has been Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner for Japan, one of the state’s largest export markets, since 2004.
Before his appointment, Tak was a Senior Investment Commissioner for North Asia at Invest Australia (within the Australian Embassy Tokyo – now part of Austrade), following a successful private-sector career as an investment banker, working in both Japan and Australia with Deutsche Bank as Director Global Markets.
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