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
Leonardo animated rectangle

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
General Atomics LB
Gatwick appoints Mathieu Boutitie as Chief Technical Officer

Aerospace

Gatwick appoints Mathieu Boutitie as Chief Technical Officer

19 December 2025

London Gatwick has announced Mathieu Boutitie, currently Chief Technical Officer at Kansai Airports Group, as its new Chief Technical Officer, replacing Cedric Laurier who will rejoin VINCI Airports in Paris, with both appointments effective January 2026

Stansted gets green light to increase passenger limit

Aerospace

Stansted gets green light to increase passenger limit

17 December 2025

London Stansted has today secured planning approval from Uttlesford District Council to increase its annual passenger limit up to 51 million, unlocking the potential to deliver a wide range of consumer, economic and community benefits over the next 20 years.

Skyports completes move to Drone Operations HQ

Aerospace Space

Skyports completes move to Drone Operations HQ

17 December 2025

Skyports Drone Services (Skyports) has completed a move into its new flagship, purpose-built, Drone Operations Hub in Westcott Venture Park, equipping the company with a state-of-the-art centralised facility for its UK, European and global drone operations.

Midlands manufacturers launch VORS

Aerospace Defence

Midlands manufacturers launch VORS

17 December 2025

Three Midlands manufacturing and design specialists - outsourcing expert PP Control & Automation (PP C&A), electronics design and software developer ByteSnap Design and contract electronics manufacturer Kasdonare - have joined forces to launch VORS (Versatile Outsourcing in Resilient Systems).

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
SLG installs new solar array at Bridge of Weir

Aerospace

SLG installs new solar array at Bridge of Weir

17 December 2025

Scottish Leather Group (SLG) has switched on a new Solar PV array at its production facility in Bridge of Weir, Scotland.

Aviation Minister views engine inspection tech at GE Aerospace Filton

Aerospace Defence

Aviation Minister views engine inspection tech at GE Aerospace Filton

16 December 2025

Aviation Minister Keir Mather MP visited GE Aerospace’s Filton facility last week (Thursday 11th December) to see how UK-engineered artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are helping to transform aircraft engine inspection and reinforce Britain’s position as a global centre of advanced aviation services.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB