Eliot, a Portuguese startup focused on air transport solutions for critical cargo, has developed the ET15 — a fully electric and autonomous drone designed for operations in disaster zones, conflict areas, and emergency medical missions.
The ET15 can carry up to 15 kg of vital materials such as blood units, transplant organs, or medication and can travel distances of up to 100 km. Built for reliability and precision even in difficult environments, the drone combines fixed-wing flight range with VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) capability, allowing it to operate in areas with limited infrastructure.
Developed in partnership with Rangel and CEiiA, the ET15 is positioned as a strategic tool for humanitarian response, defense logistics, and healthcare supply chains. The aircraft is also adaptable for transporting biological samples and other time-sensitive materials, especially in regions where traditional ground logistics are slow or unavailable.
Eliot was recently awarded the Logistics Excellence Award – PEL Startup 2025, presented by APLOG – the Portuguese Logistics Association. The jury highlighted Eliot’s contribution to solving complex logistics needs in hard-to-reach or high-risk areas and praised the company’s alignment with market demands.
“Receiving this award is a confirmation that we are addressing real-world challenges. Innovation, when applied with purpose, has the power to transform not only industries but also social realities,” Inês Folhadela Furtado, CEO of Eliot, said at the time.
Eliot operates as a spin-off from CEiiA and offers services beyond drone development, including certified testing, regulatory support, and system integration for aerial platforms. With the ET15, the company aims to support Portugal’s position in advanced air mobility and drive broader innovation in sustainable logistics.
Featured image: ET15 drone by Eliot: a fully electric and autonomous aircraft designed for critical medical deliveries and emergency missions. (Photo courtesy of Eliot)
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