DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – International, award-winning light sport aircraft manufacturer Seamax will have their Research & Development operations join Embry-Riddle Research Park’s Customized Business Acceleration Program to build on its business, technological and research capabilities as it looks to establish itself in the United States.
“This partnership will allow us to integrate Seamax’s research and development into Embry-Riddle’s remarkable existing cluster to further accelerate our technological and business capabilities,” said Seamax CEO Gilberto Trivelato. “This will enable increased leverage for new features to aircraft and to introduce more reliable products to the aeronautical market.”
As part of the Customized Business Acceleration Program, Seamax’s Research & Development department will be housed at the John Mica Engineering Aerospace Innovation Complex (MicaPlex) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Research Park adjacent to the Daytona Beach Campus. As part of the MicaPlex, they will be able to work with current Research Park tenant and resident partners as well as access research facilities, technology and resources. Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation played a key role in connecting Seamax with Embry-Riddle.
“Embry-Riddle is well-positioned to support Seamax in market research as well as product development and certification in the United States of current and future aircraft,” said Embry-Riddle President Dr. P. Barry Butler. “We are excited that they have decided to make Volusia County their research and development home – and look forward to their success.”
The company’s SeaMax M-22 amphibious aircraft was the first S-LSA certified flying boat in the United States. Seamax has been leading the industry since the FAA’s groundbreaking regulatory changes created the Light Sport Aircraft category in 2004. Seamax designed the M-22 in 1998, flew the prototype in 2001 and introduced the first factory-produced M-22 in 2002.
Headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the company was founded in 1998 and is certified by Aviation Authorities in 19 countries and has sold 150 units globally.
“Our company chose Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University because of its exceptional ability to provide business research, strong commitment to innovation and its potential for accelerating our company’s footprint,” said Seamax U.S. Headquarters Executive Director Shalom Confessor. “Partnering with one of the most reputable aeronautical universities in the world and using their state-of-the-art facilities will enable our company to research new products and to add significant technological improvements to the Seamax M-22.”
About Seamax LLC
SEAMAX M-22 is a high-performance Light Sport Aircraft designed by prominent aeronautical draftsman Miguel Rosário, with global sales. It has been manufactured in Brazil for over 17 years and has sold 150 units in more than 30 countries. Seamax won several aeronautical awards, such as "Outstanding Commercial S-LSA” at Sun ’n’ Fun in the United States and the Schneider Cup in Italy, and it has been featured in more than 40 specialized magazines around the world. Seamax pioneered as the first-ever amphibious aircraft to win the United States’ FAA acceptance in the category, setting up a high standard bar for industry competitors. Made of composite materials, Seamax uniqueness relies upon its ability to remain light, granting exceptional performance, large range and one of the greatest useful loads in the category. For more information, go to seamaxaircraft.com.
About The John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex (MicaPlex)
Known as the MicaPlex, this cornerstone building of the Research Park at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will house collaborative workspaces, a wide range of laboratories and business support services collocated to ensure that technology-focused startups will have every advantage for success. The first building phase also includes a large wind tunnel and test facility with cutting-edge instrumentation. Named for former U.S. Representative John Mica (R-Florida) in honor of his key role in supporting the university’s educational and research endeavors, it is strategically located in Central Florida’s “Convergence Zone” of innovation and discovery. This collaborative atmosphere is designed for incubating new technologies across 10,000 square feet of flex lease space to meet tenants’ needs. For more information, go to erau.edu/micaplex. For information about partnership opportunities, call (386) 226-4928 or email [email protected].
About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, is a nonprofit, independent institution offering more than 80 [{{EmailCampaignAction-baccalaureate, master’s}}]baccalaureate, master’s and Ph.D. degree programs in its colleges of Arts & Sciences, Aviation, Business, Engineering and Security & Intelligence. Embry-Riddle educates students at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., the Worldwide Campus with more than 125 locations in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and through online programs. The university is a major research center, seeking solutions to real-world problems in partnership with the aerospace industry, other universities and government agencies. For more information, visit www.embryriddle.edu, follow us on Twitter (@EmbryRiddle) and facebook.com/EmbryRiddleUniversity, and find expert videos at YouTube.com/EmbryRiddleUniv
