Electric aircraft startup Lilium may have ceased operations a year ago, but its technology is getting a second life. Archer Aviation has acquired all 300 of Lilium’s patent assets for €18 million ($21 million), beating out Joby Aviation and Ambitious Air Mobility Group in a competitive bid.
Lilium, founded in 2015, had raised over $1 billion to develop a vertical takeoff and landing jet before burning through its funds and filing for bankruptcy. The patents cover core eVTOL technologies, including flight controls, ducted fans, and high-voltage systems.
Archer says the acquisition adds “a strong layer” to its portfolio, now exceeding 1,000 global patent assets. While Archer’s main focus remains air taxis, Lilium’s innovations could extend its reach into regional electric flight and defense applications.
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The move comes as the eVTOL industry continues to consolidate, with leading players racing to commercialize electric flight technology before the decade’s end.
