About NOCTUA
Who we are
NOCTUA began at ETH Zurich with a mission to design aircraft that disappear into the landscape while keeping conservation teams informed. Our autonomous platform combines low-acoustic propulsion, modular payloads, and field-tested operations.
Every mission is co-created with conservationists, rangers, and researchers to respect habitats and deliver actionable intelligence that protects them.
Our Story
From research lab to conservation frontlines
Founded at ETH Zurich in 2019, NOCTUA emerged from the vision that aerial surveillance for conservation shouldn't disturb the very ecosystems it seeks to protect.
Our founding team brought together expertise in aerospace engineering, robotics, and environmental science to create a UAV platform purpose-built for long-endurance, low-noise missions in remote areas.
Our journey
- 2019: Initial concept development at ETH Zurich
- 2021: First field trials with conservation partners
- 2023: Established BVLOS operations playbook
- Today: Scaling missions and community partnerships
Our Values
Principles that guide every mission
Technology serves ecology first. Every design decision we make weighs mission impact against environmental footprint, ensuring our presence enhances rather than disrupts conservation efforts.
We believe the best conservation technology is built in partnership with the people who know the land best, local communities, rangers, and field researchers.
Core values
- Responsible innovation that prioritizes ecological impact
- Partnership mindset with local conservation experts
- Transparency in operations and data stewardship
- Long-term commitment to communities we serve
Our Approach
Co-creating missions with field partners
We spend as much time planning with partners as we do flying. Workshops align on ethical frameworks, data custody, and the practical realities of remote missions, preventing surprises and building long-term trust.
During deployments, our operators work shoulder-to-shoulder with local teams. Post-flight, we transform raw data into visual reports and actionable intelligence that integrate directly into conservation workflows.
Collaboration in action
- Joint mission design and risk review sessions
- Field integration with rangers and researchers
- Shared data governance and ethical frameworks
- Training and capacity building for local teams
Academic Partnership
Rooted in research excellence
Our partnership with ETH Zurich provides access to world-class research facilities, cutting-edge aerospace engineering, and collaboration with leading environmental scientists.
This academic foundation ensures our technology stays at the forefront of innovation while maintaining rigorous scientific standards for field validation and environmental impact assessment.
Research advantages
- Access to ETH Zurich's advanced prototyping facilities
- Collaboration with D-USYS environmental researchers
- Rigorous testing and validation protocols
- Student talent pipeline for interdisciplinary projects
