By Tim Ryan
Tidal Flight, a standout member of REaKTOR, the City of Hampton’s High Tech Center of Excellence, is taking a bold step toward transforming coastal transportation. The startup was recently awarded a $75,000 Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF) grant by the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC). This grant will fuel the development of Polaris, Tidal Flight’s hybrid-electric seaplane, designed to make air travel more accessible, sustainable, and affordable for coastal communities.
REaKTOR has long supported innovation within Hampton Roads, and Tidal Flight’s vision aligns perfectly with the center’s mission to foster high-tech advancements. With the majority of the world’s population living in coastal regions, Tidal Flight’s Polaris has the potential to revolutionize how people access city centers and remote coastal destinations. The hybrid-electric seaplane, which can carry 9-12 passengers and land on both water and traditional runways, aims to reduce fuel consumption by 85% and cut operating costs by 40%.
“Tidal Flight is an exemplary REaKTOR member, showcasing the forward-thinking, sustainable innovations we strive to promote,” said REaKTOR’s Director, Tim Ryan. “Their groundbreaking work in air mobility offers solutions to problems that have long plagued coastal transportation—high costs and inefficiency.”
With this grant, Tidal Flight is set to create subscale prototypes and conduct flight tests, marking a crucial phase in validating their cutting-edge technology. The startup’s presence at REaKTOR allows them to collaborate with other local innovators and leverage resources that position Hampton as a hub for technological advancement.
“Our team’s expertise in electric aircraft design, combined with the support of REaKTOR and the Commonwealth, allows us to tackle critical gaps in regional mobility,” said Jude Augustine, Co-Founder and CEO of Tidal Flight. “We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in coastal transportation.”
This achievement is a milestone not just for Tidal Flight but also for the Hampton innovation ecosystem. As a member of REaKTOR, Tidal Flight exemplifies the center’s commitment to fostering startups that are developing sustainable solutions with global impact.
