Hydroplane, along with its founder and CEO Dr. Anita Sengupta, has been selected to receive the Minority Emerging Technology and Industries Firm of the Year Award 2023.

The award, which forms part of National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, is granted by the US Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). It is given to a minority entrepreneur and their business that have demonstrated success in high-growth industries using new technologies. 

“We are honoured to receive this award and it is a testament to our commitment to innovation powered by diversity,” Sengupta said. “I am very grateful to the MBDA and the U.S. Department of Commerce for the recognition of Hydroplane’s ground-breaking work to decarbonise aviation and mobile energy transport with our hydrogen fuel cell based electric propulsion.”

Sengupta is developing of a novel hydrogen fuel cell powerplant for aircraft including eVTOL, UAS, helicopters and single engine aircraft with electric propulsion systems. Hydroplane has been awarded two US Air Force research and development contracts to develop its technology for vertical lift platforms and cargo drones as part of the USAF Agility Prime program. The firm is also a recipient of the California Energy Commission CalTestBed program. 

Donald Cravins, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development at the MBDA, in his award announcement letter to Sengupta said: “The National MED Week Awards serve as a testament to the minority business community’s invaluable impact on our economy and communities. Your leadership and dedication to your industry and community exemplify the values that the MED Week Awards stand for. Your dedication, innovation, and resilience embody the spirit of entrepreneurship that drives our nation forward. You have not only achieved success but have also paved the way for others to follow.”

Awardees will be hounded during the 40th anniversary celebration of the 2023 National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference, which is held in collaboration with the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s annual conference from October 22-25, in Baltimore, Maryland.