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
Leonardo animated rectangle

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
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Altus to showcase advanced solutions at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026

Aerospace Defence Events

Altus to showcase advanced solutions at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026

16 December 2025

Distributor of advanced electronics manufacturing equipment in the UK and Ireland, Altus Group, will return to Southern Manufacturing & Electronics from 3rd-5th February 2026 at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, to showcase a range of advanced process technologies from global suppliers.

Wallwork returning to Southern Manufacturing 2026

Aerospace Defence Events

Wallwork returning to Southern Manufacturing 2026

15 December 2025

Wallwork Group will be returning to Southern Manufacturing 2026 - being held 3rd–5th February 2026 at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre - with a significantly expanded capability, showcasing the hard coatings, heat treatments and advanced thermal processing solutions they supply.

Spaceport Cornwall and National Drone Hub launch UAS project

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Spaceport Cornwall and National Drone Hub launch UAS project

15 December 2025

The UK's first licensed spaceport, Spaceport Cornwall, has commenced work on a groundbreaking project with the National Drone Hub to establish a unique testing environment for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).

Smiths Detection’s SDX 100100 DV HC on TSA ACSTL

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection’s SDX 100100 DV HC on TSA ACSTL

15 December 2025

Smiths Detection's SDX 100100 DV HC X-ray scanner has been added to the Transportation Security Administration’s Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL), enabling its use by regulated operators across the US air cargo sector.

Advertisement
ODU RT
UK Government invests in next generation of aviators

Aerospace

UK Government invests in next generation of aviators

12 December 2025

Projects to inspire the next generation of aviators across the UK are set to get a boost as the Government today announced a £750,000 boost to projects inspiring young people to explore careers in aviation.

ITA Airways adopts Iris tech

Aerospace Space

ITA Airways adopts Iris tech

11 December 2025

Viasat has announced that ITA Airways is being equipped with Iris technology, paving the way to trajectory-based operations which can cut emissions and enhance airline efficiency.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle