New streamlined application process for ATI Strategic Programme
The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) is to introduce a new streamlined Outline Stage application process for its flagship funding programme, the Strategic Programme, with a presentation to a panel replacing the existing form-based process in January 2026.
Turnaround times for an outcome on the Outline Stage decision will be just seven working days from the date of the panel presentations.
This change follows a successful launch of the Outline Stage process in the SME Programme and Non-CO2 Programme, and brings the first-stage application processes in line across the ATI’s three funding programmes.
From 1st January 2026, applicants to the Strategic Programme will submit a 15-slide presentation via the ATI website. If the project is in scope of the ATI technology strategy, applicants will be invited to present their project proposal to a panel of ATI assessors. If successful at Outline Stage, applicants will be invited to complete a Full Stage Application process via the government’s Innovation Funding Service (IFS).
Full details on how to apply to the ATI Programme in 2025 and 2026 are now available on the funding pages of our website.
Paul Adams, Chief Innovation Officer, said: “By introducing the Outline Stage to the Strategic Programme we are reducing effort for applicants and delivering a shortened turnaround time to provide an outcome within seven days of the presentation stage. This will make it quicker and simpler to begin the funding application process.
“The government’s Modern Industrial Strategy emphasised aerospace’s role in driving growth by extending ATI Programme funding to ten years. This commitment is matched by our ambition to boost UK competitiveness.
“With a refreshed ATI Technology Strategy coming in 2026, we’re gearing up to support the sector during a crucial period of rate-ramp up and innovation to unlock the potential of future aircraft technologies.”
The ATI is hosting an open webinar from 10:00 – 11:00 on Tuesday 28th October 2025 to share more detail on the new Strategic Programme application process and to answer questions during a Q&A session. Click here to register now.
The Strategic Programme Outline Stage will open six times in 2026 with the first opening at 09:00 on Monday 5th January and closing at 11:00 on Friday 16th January. Eligibility and pitch panel notifications will be received no later than Tuesday 20th January. Panel presentations will take place on Monday 26th January, Tuesday 27th January and Wednesday 28th January 2026 with outcome notifications no later than Tuesday 3rd February. This means applications submitted on the final day would receive an outcome within seven working days of the panels.
The existing form-based Expression of Interest process via IFS will end after the final applications are submitted in November 2025. The Full Stage Application process remains unchanged and will open three times in 2026.
The ATI Programme is delivered in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade and Innovate UK and remains open to applications across the Destination Zero technology strategy’s ultra-efficient, zero-carbon and cross-cutting roadmaps. Since launch in 2014, the ATI Programme has invested £3.6bn of joint government and industry funding in transformational aerospace technology research and development.
Discover more ATI Programme impact on our projects page.