ATI - SME Programme
SME funding programme to encourage technology innovation within the supply chain and civil aerospace sector.
This competition is open to any registered organisations in the UK looking to develop technology for the civil aerospace sector. Applicants may apply as individual organisations or as a part of a consortium.
To lead a project your organisation must:
- be a UK registered SME or, a business of any size with at least one SME in the consortium.
- carry out your aerospace research project work in the UK
- intend to exploit the results from or in the UK
- address the specific requirements of the UK’s Aerospace Technology Strategy
- sign up to the ATI SME Programme Agreement
- claim funding
Collaborative or single applications are accepted for this competition. Collaborative projects are encouraged.
Businesses of any size and academic institutions can collaborate with the lead SME.
The ATI’s strategy and focus for investment is delivering clean growth for the UK Aerospace Sector. Your application must align with the UK aerospace technology strategy, Destination Zero, which is split into these areas:
- Zero-carbon emission aircraft technologies: Zero-carbon emission technologies are focused on propulsion and infrastructure development to enable zero-carbon tailpipe emissions. This encompasses battery, hydrogen, and fuel cell technologies, much of which are in early stages of development.
- Ultra-efficient aircraft technologies: Ultra-efficient technologies are focused on improving energy efficiency and hence impact CO2 emissions, NOx and noise. Continued development of crucial high value, sustainable, high productivity manufacturing technologies will position the UK to be a first-choice location for the industry.
- Cross-cutting enabling technologies: To enable both the zero-carbon and ultra-efficient opportunities, the UK must develop cross-cutting enabling technologies and capabilities for whole aircraft design and analysis. These capabilities should extend to the aircraft lifecycle from design, through manufacture & assembly, operation, and end of life.
Application Process:
This competition is a two stage process. Outline Stage opens three times per calendar year. A short application is made via the ATI website. Successful applicants at the Outline Stage are invited to the Stage 2 (Full application) which is managed by Innovate UK. The Competition opening dates and submission deadlines for 2024 are available through the ATI website.
Applications are open from Monday 5 February to 11am on Wednesday 18 September 2024.
- Innovate UK
- Department for Business and Trade
- Aerospace Technology Institute