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
Security & Policing 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
General Atomics LB
Airframe Designs rebrands to AFD Systems

Aerospace

Airframe Designs rebrands to AFD Systems

28 January 2026

Engineering and manufacturing specialist, Airframe Designs, has announced a strategic rebrand to AFD Systems, reflecting the company’s expanded lines of business, services, broader sector reach and long-term growth ambitions.

OS extends DEA Aviation contract

Aerospace

OS extends DEA Aviation contract

28 January 2026

Ordnance Survey (OS), the national mapping service for Great Britain, has extended its existing framework contract with Aerial data acquisition company, DEA Aviation.

Fenner Precision Polymers achieves AS9100 accreditation

Aerospace Defence

Fenner Precision Polymers achieves AS9100 accreditation

27 January 2026

Fenner Precision Polymers has achieved AS9100 accreditation for aerospace and defence manufacturing activities conducted on its site in Lincoln.

Birmingham Airport expands terminal transformation

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport expands terminal transformation

27 January 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has announced plans for three eateries and a new executive lounge within the Departures Lounge to open in phases during 2026 as part of the airport’s ongoing transformation.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Heathrow completes £1bn security tech upgrade

Aerospace Security

Heathrow completes £1bn security tech upgrade

26 January 2026

Heathrow has now completed a £1 billion security technology upgrade, becoming the world's largest airport to fully roll out next-gen CT security scanners.

Acron Aviation gains ANAC Brazil approval to train Brazilian pilots at LTC

Aerospace

Acron Aviation gains ANAC Brazil approval to train Brazilian pilots at LTC

26 January 2026

Acron Aviation today announced that it has received regulatory approval from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to provide training for ANAC Brazil-licensed pilots at its London Gatwick Training Center (LTC).

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB