News story

Developing new ideas for UK aerospace: apply for funding

Organisations can apply for a share of £150 million this year to support new technologies that help to make the UK civil aerospace industry more competitive.

Boeing 777 jet aeroplane landing.

The competition is open to projects that will support the aircraft of the future.

The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Innovate UK are inviting organisations to come forward with innovative aerospace projects that could attract funding support.

The invitation is under the UK Aerospace Research and Technology Programme. This is a £3.9 billion joint government and industry investment in projects that will make the UK more competitive in civil aerospace.

There is around £150 million available each year to support projects, and there are regular opportunities to submit ideas during the course of the year.

Businesses and researchers can submit expressions of interest in carrying out innovative projects. The best ideas will be invited to apply for funding support.

Ideas must be in line with UK aerospace strategy

We are seeking projects that are aligned with the UK’s aerospace technology strategy.

Priority areas include:

  • strengthening the UK’s whole-aircraft design and system integration capability and positioning it for future generations of civil aircraft
  • the development of smart, connected and more electric aircraft
  • ensuring the UK is a global leader in the development of large complex structures, particularly wings
  • advancing a new generation of more efficient propulsion technologies, particularly large turbofans

Competition information

  • the competition opens for expressions of interest on 2 July 2018, and the deadline for submissions is 18 July 2018
  • successful applicants will be invited to make a full funding application. The approval process typically takes 6 months
  • organisations can work alone or in partnership with other businesses and researchers
  • project costs and duration should be in proportion to the objectives
  • businesses could attract up to 70% of their project costs
  • you will need to sign up to the ATI framework agreement to be eligible to apply
Published 19 June 2018