R2 Data Labs, the data innovation subsidiary of Rolls-Royce, has launched Yocova, a new data exchange and collaboration platform for the aviation sector.

Yocova provides an online space for open, secure data sharing and insight, while offering an exchange through which users can sell their data-driven assets and software applications. The platform, which is designed to help users manage complex data environments, was originally conceived as part of the company’s IntelligentEngine vision.

It has since grown and has already welcomed a large number of individual users, data science specialists and aviation application providers. This included Singapore Airlines, which has worked closely with Rolls-Royce to develop the concept and is using the platform to enhance its own operations.

Yocova stands for ‘You Connect for Value’ and has three strands:

• Collaborate: an open and neutral platform where the industry can share and exchange information to solve aviation challenges.
• Control: problem-solving and the co-creation of software, applications and digital tools allowing data owners to remain in control of how their data is used.
• Commercialise: the purchase of data or software tools, as well as the acceleration of new ventures through a partnership programme.

Yocova has been operating successfully as a trial platform for more than six months with an invited set of data specialists, software providers, and individual airline users. Having now secured its first major industrial participant in Singapore Airlines, Yocova will now seek broader content and commercial investment from industry partners.

Caroline Gorski, group director, R2 Data Labs, said: “Since our launch, R2 Data Labs has been committed to unlocking the value of data and encouraging collaborative data innovation. This digitally-enhanced platform fits perfectly within that vision.

“We are already seeing great value in working with our industry peers to unlock our combined data sources and create unique digital service solutions that could truly enhance the future of aviation.”

Visit rolls-royce.com for more information.