MADRID, Spain, March 11, 2025.
- ASCEND aims to improve the design and verification processes of aeronautical systems by applying digital technologies throughout the aerospace supply chain.
Boeing, Anzen Engineering, Clue Technologies and DLTCode join forces to improve the design and verification of aerospace systems through digital transformation throughout the life cycle. The ASCEND (Aerospace Safety-Certifiable Engineering and Networked Development) project applies Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Model-Based Safety Analysis (MBSA), and digital engineering technologies to improve prevention, safety, and efficiency in aircraft development.
The Community of Madrid co-finances more than 50% of the ASCEND 2024 CONSORTIUM thanks to the aid program to contribute to the improvement of public-private cooperation in R&D&i and the FEDER (European Regional Development Fund) operational program. The project is valued at almost five million euros.
ASCEND is part of a broader digital engineering research program: Integrated Model-Based Methods and Tools (iMBMT). Led by Boeing’s Global Digital Engineering Center, the iMBMT program focuses on developing advanced model-based methodologies and tools to improve the quality, efficiency, speed, and cost-effectiveness of future aircraft design and manufacturing processes. ASCEND complements iMBMT by fostering critical collaboration with external organizations in the fields of systems engineering, prevention, and safety, all viewed through the lens of digital engineering.
“This project represents a consortium collaboration that brings together leading capabilities in digital engineering, critical systems, embedded computing, and cybersecurity. This initiative reinforces the commitment to drive the future of aviation with advanced technologies and a digital approach that optimizes the entire life cycle of aeronautical development,” said Eduardo Carrillo de Albornoz, Managing Director of Boeing Research & Technology-Europe. “The research centers of the IMDEA Software institute and the Polytechnic University of Madrid will be responsible for providing innovative scientific knowledge.”
“ASCEND represents a decisive step towards the evolution and improvement of aviation safety, with the application of advanced digital technologies in systems engineering and model-based safety analysis. Anzen, as a leading company specialized in aerospace safety and model-based systems engineering, will act as Boeing’s strategic partner in the development of the project. In addition to working on safety and system modeling activities, ASCEND will allow us to mature our ATICA software, adapting it with real cases to the requirements of the industry for its large-scale commercialization,” says Pablo de la Cruz, CEO of Anzen Engineering.
The aerospace sector is undergoing continuous growth, driven by the rise of commercial aviation, freight transport and emerging advanced air mobility solutions such as drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, vertical takeoff and landing vehicles. These novel solutions present new challenges when it comes to managing airspace and ensuring safe and efficient operations.
“ASCEND integrates error prevention and cybersecurity into a unified engineering framework, an essential approach as software-based aerospace systems become more complex and interconnected. Our long experience in the sector, as well as in Deep Tech projects and the development of our own artificial intelligence, will allow us to develop a powerful tool that increases operational safety in aerospace,” said Fernando Valderrey, Corporate Director of DLTCode.
“Clue Technologies brings its extensive experience in developing critical embedded systems for aerospace. ASCEND represents a key opportunity to drive digitalization in the design, verification and certification processes of our equipment using advanced model-based methodologies. Our role will be essential in the standardization of data exchange processes between suppliers and platform providers, and we will support the integration of safety analyses,” says Jon González, Innovation Director at Clue Technologies.
About Boeing
As one of the world’s leading aerospace companies, Boeing develops, manufactures, maintain and overhaul commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, Boeing leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and leading in sustainability while working according to the company’s core values: safety, quality, and integrity.
Boeing in Spain – Boeing is present in Spain since more than 90 years, supporting commercial airline customers and maintaining long-standing collaborations with the Spanish aerospace sector. Boeing has also been a long-time supplier of aircraft, helicopters, and military systems for the Spanish Armed Forces. The company’s European R&D center, Boeing Research & Technology-Europe, based in Madrid, develops innovative solutions in digital engineering, avionics systems, data-driven airline services, autonomous systems integration in shared airspace, advanced materials, and manufacturing technologies.
About ANZEN Engineering
ANZEN Engineering is an international engineering company specialized in critical systems for the aerospace and defense sectors. Founded in 2019, it supports technically complex projects around the world, providing expertise in safety, reliability, airworthiness, ILS, cybersecurity, and MBSE. Its multidisciplinary team works with globally recognized standards, ensuring the certification and robustness of the platforms it supports. With a presence in Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East, ANZEN strengthens its position as a strategic, reliable, and independent partner committed to technical excellence and sustainable innovation.
About Clue Technologies
Clue Technologies is known for its innovative high-performance embedded computing systems that accelerate intelligent software applications. With a multidisciplinary team of engineers in computer science, electronics, mechanics, and systems, the company has extensive experience in the aerospace sector. Its WittyBox™ product family leads in flight and mission computers designed for diverse aerospace applications. Clue oversees the full product lifecycle in Spain, including research, requirements capture, systems definition, hardware and software design, manufacturing, qualification, and certification.
About DLTCode
DLTCode is a professional services company specializing in strategic consulting, cybersecurity, and in the development of Deep Tech solutions based on artificial intelligence. It is led by an experienced team of consultants and subject matter experts in technology, cybersecurity, regulation, disruptive innovation, and digital leadership. The company develops and manages next-generation cybersecurity software to help organizations protect against current and emerging threats.
Media contact
Raquel Parra
r.parra@iprisma.es
