If you have an existing project or are at set up stage, your project will continue as planned. For further clarity contact your project lead.
Review the UK aerospace technology strategy first to make sure your project aligns, and then revisit this page.
Funding competitions run through UKRI can be found on their website. You may also wish to visit CleanSky and the European Commission.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, R&D activity due in FY2020/21 is now forecast to take place in FY2021/22. Our latest forecast shows that we have no scope to commit to new projects this financial year. We have therefore suspended new applications to the Programme, including expressions of interest.
Projects with existing grant agreements, or those that have already been passed by the strategic review committee, are not affected. Also unaffected is the funding available through the NATEP or R&D Funding for Smaller Business competitions.
We will review forecast spend each month to test when we can re-open the Programme for new applications. Based on the latest data we do not think this will happen until the start of FY2022/23 (which begins April 2022). The ATI will remain open and active, reviewing the UK’s aerospace technology strategy, running FlyZero and consulting with industry on potential future projects.
Read the latest statement regarding the ATI Programme pause (April 2021).
We answer the most common questions relating to the pause of the ATI Programme in our Funding FAQs.
All applicants to ATI Programme funding must sign the ATI’s Framework Agreement before submitting full-stage proposals – failure to do so will result in a failed application. Industrial partners should read the Guide to Industrial Contributions.
The ATI works in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Innovate UK to offer funding streams designed to accelerate innovation in the UK to maintain global competitiveness. All projects submitted must align with the UK aerospace technology strategy, Accelerating Ambition, which identifies the following priority areas: vehicles; propulsion and power; systems; and aerostructures.
Applicants are encouraged to read the General Guidance for Applicants before applying to any of the below funding streams. Applicants should note that the funding process is competitive, and only the best applications will receive funding. Should you require assistance please get in touch with the funding team.
The Strategic Programme is currently paused for new applications.
The Strategic Programme is a comprehensive 2-stage assessment process suited to larger programmes typically accessing grants in excess of £1 million.
Your project must align with the UK Aerospace Technology Strategy.
Stage 1 requires applicants to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI); the EOI is assessed by the ATI.
Successful EOIs will be invited to Stage 2 to complete a Full Application. Once submitted, the Full Application will undergo ATI, BEIS and Innovate UK independent assessment in parallel. No further changes to the application are permitted once the submission deadline has passed.
All applicants must sign the ATI’s Framework Agreement before submitting proposals.
Funding through the R&D Funding for Smaller Business competition is not affected by the suspension of new applications to the ATI Programme.
This call supports and encourages industrial investment into the aerospace sector and its supply chain, through the funding of innovative and high impact projects. These projects will demonstrate forward-looking and disruptive solutions to UK civil aerospace challenges.
Funding through NATEP is not affected by the suspension of new applications to the ATI Programme.
The National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) is suited to smaller businesses and offers a maximum project size of £300k. As well as grant funding, the programme provides high calibre technical and management resource to help those companies accelerate the technology development towards market readiness.
More information on how to apply can be found here.
Please ensure you have read the relevant governance documents, which can be found in our Funding FAQs. EOIs and applications are submitted and processed through the Innovation Funding Service portal on the UK Government website.