HyLight

HyLight builds dirigible drones for the inspection of energy infrastructure. Its airships collect data over hundreds of kilometres without emitting greenhouse gases, and are used for methane leak detection on gas networks and for the inspection of electrical lines to help prevent outages and forest fires. The company's stated aim is to make societies more resilient to climate change.

The technical record is one of rapid iteration: six drone versions were developed in a single year and more than 150 flight hours have been flown. First inspection contracts have been secured with Europe's largest energy infrastructure operators, and the company targets the annual inspection of more than 5 million kilometres of energy infrastructure by 2030. Relevant technical domains include autonomous dirigible airships, remote sensing and data collection, methane leak detection and infrastructure inspection.

HyLight is based at Base Aérienne 217 in Brétigny-sur-Orge, 30 minutes from Paris, with operations across Europe. Work is carried out at an active airbase with weekly flights and direct involvement in testing and improving solutions. The team is drawn from engineering, data analysis and business development, and the company states values of taking action, transparency and authenticity, and having fun.