09/07/2025
Traditional paper planes take just a few minutes to construct, but remain in flight mere seconds. PowerUp, a family-owned business based in Ohio, is extending flight time and promoting STEM learning.
PowerUp’s two core products are the 2.0 FreeFlight motorized paper airplanes and the 4.0 smartphone-controlled module, each with several expansion kits. The PowerUp 4.0 can fly up to 10 minutes on a full charge. With scissors and a little tape — or superglue for balsa wood kits — aviators ages 8 and up can have their craft ready for takeoff.
PowerUp’s products are sold across the globe. The company exhibits at several trade shows including Astra Marketplace & Academy, Spielwarenmesse, Toy Fair and NHRSA, to name a few.
“Since launching in 2011, PowerUp has grown steadily, touching the hearts of generations young and old,” said PowerUp Founder and CEO Shai Goitein. “Our products are used for learning, bonding and STEM enrichment — from kids experimenting with flight to grandparents sharing nostalgia. We’re now expanding in the specialty retail space with strong momentum and great customer feedback.”
Goitein sat down with edplay to further talk about how PowerUp got its start and how it’s helping the next generation take to the skies.
How did you come up with the concept of remote-controlled paper airplanes? What did your initial development process look like?
The idea began in 2007 during a volunteering project teaching aerospace to underprivileged youth. With a background in aviation and industrial design, I was inspired by micro-flight components and envisioned a way to attach a motorized module to paper airplanes. The earliest version used traditional RC control, but the first commercial product was the PowerUp 1.0 FreeFlight, using a supercapacitor and micro motor. With the rise of Bluetooth in 2012–13, PowerUp evolved into smartphone-controlled flight, launching several successful Kickstarter campaigns that helped bring advanced modules like PowerUp 3.0, Dart, and today’s flagship PowerUp 4.0 to life.
As a veteran industrial designer (formerly at Kodak), I began building the first prototypes as a personal weekend project, not a company. But when I saw how well the system worked, I turned it into a startup. From camera design to flight tech, the transition was natural, fueled by a passion for aviation and creativity.
Can you give an overview of your product line?
The PowerUp 2.0 is a free-flight supercapacitor module that clips onto folded paper airplanes. After a 20-second charge, it powers up to one minute of flight. It teaches basic flight dynamics and is ideal for STEM.
The PowerUp 4.0 is a smartphone-controlled, dual-motor, gyro-stabilized module. It includes paper templates and allows users to fly custom planes made from balsa, foam, cardboard or even puzzles. The app includes a flight log, leaderboard, multiple airplane designs and social sharing.
Users can upload their own creations, test new models and fly by tilting their phone. The built-in autopilot and fly-by-wire stabilization make it easy to fly — even in wind or with less-than-perfect builds.
How do you ensure a balanced, lightweight plane?
For optimal performance, planes should stay under 20 grams (about 0.7 ounces), though heavier planes can fly if they are well-designed. While balance does affect performance, the onboard gyro stabilization compensates for minor imbalances, making it forgiving and ideal for experimentation.
What materials do you use and where are they sourced from?
The PowerUp modules are designed to be crash-resistant. Materials include reinforced nylon for the body, carbon fiber for structural strength and rubber bumpers for impact protection. Production for the PowerUp 4.0 is based in China, while foam and balsa kits are produced in collaboration with U.S. partners.
What is your most popular product?
PowerUp 4.0 is the top-seller overall due to its performance and versatility. However, the PowerUp 2.0 is a favorite among educators and STEM programs because it’s simple, affordable (under $20) and doesn’t require a smartphone. It promotes hands-on learning through folding, adjusting and flying — a perfect introduction to basic aerodynamics.
What is your newest product, and how often do you release new items?
PowerUp’s newest product is the StarFlux, a futuristic balsa wood plane with a reversible design offering two distinct flight modes: traditional and canard. It’s part of an ongoing collaboration with U.S.-based Nighthawk Gliders. Another recent launch is the PowerUp Dragon, and this fall the Pioneer Project debuts — a tribute series honoring pioneers of electronics. These simpler balsa kits integrate with PowerUp 2.0. PowerUp typically releases one major product annually, often introducing multiple variations or collaborations within that year.
What skills can kids gain from your kits?
PowerUp kits blend DIY craft, science and play. Kids learn:
- Basic aerodynamics through trial and error
- How elevator adjustments affect flight
- The role of stability, drag and wing design
- Patience and perseverance
They also gain screen-to-sky balance by building indoors, then testing their designs outdoors. The process supports hands-on learning, critical thinking and creativity, all while staying accessible and affordable.
What are you most proud of about founding PowerUp?
PowerUp is not a throwaway toy — it’s a platform for long-lasting engagement. I’m proud of creating a product line with strong play value, durability and open-ended creativity. From families to teachers to hobbyists, PowerUp products continue to surprise users with their innovation, reliability and the joy they bring. The brand constantly evolves through new partnerships and fresh ideas, encouraging users to discover the inventor within.
Why do your products belong in specialty stores?
Paper airplanes and balsa kits are timeless. Specialty stores — often focused on quality, curation and storytelling — are ideal environments for PowerUp. Customers who walk into these shops are looking for something memorable and meaningful. PowerUp offers high-quality, tech-integrated versions of nostalgic classics that spark curiosity and learning, making it a perfect match for specialty retail.
What’s next on the horizon for PowerUp?
Looking ahead, PowerUp is expanding its design library through collaborations with iconic aerospace brands like Lockheed Martin. Expect more recognizable aircraft models, bundled kits and cross-brand integrations — all built from lightweight materials and designed for smartphone flight. PowerUp continues to merge technology, education and imagination into a uniquely flyable format.
