Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Innovate UK calls for ideas to strengthen UK aerospace

Aerospace

Innovate UK calls for ideas to strengthen UK aerospace

Organisations are invited to propose innovative projects that could benefit the UK aerospace industry through smarter, more energy-efficient technologies.

There is up to £150 million for innovative aerospace projects in a series of regular calls for ideas.

Organisations can submit an express an interest in pursuing an innovative project in aerospace design and manufacture. Successful applicants in this stage will then be invited to apply for funding.

Innovate UK is working with the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to coordinate the programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Funding is part of a £3.9 billion UK aerospace and technology investment between government and industry, which aims to maintain and grow the UK’s position as a world leader in civil aerospace.

This latest call follows the government’s announcement of its aerospace sector deal. The deal will support the global move towards hybrid-electric and electric propulsion and allow the UK to best exploit emerging opportunities and markets.

The competition is for industrial research projects and capital investment.

Projects must:

  • strengthen the UK’s role in whole-aircraft design and system integration
  • build smarter, more connected and electrified aircraft and technologies that lead to high-value opportunities
  • help the UK to become a global leader in large, complex aviation structures, particularly wings
  • develop new propulsion technologies, such as large turbofans
Advertisement
ODU RT

Competition information:

  • the competition is open, and the deadline for expressions of interest is at midday on 2 January 2019
  • projects can be led by a UK-based business, research and technology organisation or an academic organisation
  • organisations must sign up to the ATI framework agreement
  • applicants need to show that their expected costs and timescales are in proportion with the project’s objectives
  • businesses could attract up to 70% of their project costs for industrial research projects and up to 50% for capital investment


Click here to find out more about this competition and apply.

 

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
Heathrow unveils World of Opportunity winners

Aerospace

Heathrow unveils World of Opportunity winners

27 April 2026

Heathrow has revealed the 12 winners of its annual World of Opportunity (WOO) competition, showcasing the breadth of innovation and ambition that underpins Britain’s export economy.

Andy Armstrong appointed MD of FANUC UK and Ireland

Aerospace

Andy Armstrong appointed MD of FANUC UK and Ireland

27 April 2026

Factory automation specialist FANUC has named Andy Armstrong as the new Managing Director of FANUC UK and FANUC Ireland, effective immediately.

Britten-Norman advances airborne BN2T-4S 5G integration

Aerospace

Britten-Norman advances airborne BN2T-4S 5G integration

27 April 2026

Britten-Norman has delivered a key milestone in its collaboration with World Mobile Stratospheric, with the BN2T-4S Islander aircraft supporting the programme now prepared for the next phase of system integration.

Bristol Airport launches 2026 innovation fund

Aerospace

Bristol Airport launches 2026 innovation fund

27 April 2026

Bristol Airport has announced the next phase of funding of the Aviation Carbon Transition (ACT) Programme, a pioneering initiative designed to fast-track decarbonisation projects targeting Scope 3 emissions from flight and transport.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Airbus delivers first A321XLR for Air Canada

Aerospace

Airbus delivers first A321XLR for Air Canada

24 April 2026

The first of 30 Airbus A321XLRs for Canada’s flag carrier Air Canada, has been delivered.

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

24 April 2026

UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – has announced a new partnership with Finance for Forces to help more veteran-led businesses access the finance they need to grow internationally.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner