Romina Davoudi, Head of Programme Delivery, delves into the new streamlined Outline Stage application process for the Strategic Programme, with a presentation to a panel replacing the existing form-based process from January 2026.
The ATI is committed to continuous improvement and making it easier for industry to engage with our funding programmes. That’s why it’s exciting to be transforming the Expression of Interest (EOI) process to make it smarter, faster, and more user friendly for applicants.
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 roadmaps, applicants will be invited to present their project proposal to a panel of ATI assessors. Turnaround times for an outcome on the Outline Stage decision will be just seven working days from the date of these panel presentations.
This change follows extensive consultation with stakeholders which began in September 2024. We listened carefully to your feedback and have redesigned the EOI stage to reduce complexity, improve clarity, and better align with the needs of applicants.
The new process replaces lengthy written submissions with a structured presentation and Q&A format. This shift allows applicants to articulate their ideas more clearly and enables us to gain deeper insight into proposed projects. It’s a more dynamic and engaging way to assess projects, bringing benefits for both applicants and the ATI.
One of the most exciting outcomes of this redesign is speed. The new approach reduces the application timeline by 25%, meaning applicants can move through the process more quickly and receive feedback sooner.
After a successful introduction of the Outline Stage process in the SME Programme and Non-CO2 Programme, this change brings the first-stage application processes in line across the ATI’s three funding programmes. This consistency makes the process easier for applicants and help the ATI to deliver high-impact support through a robust and scalable system.
Most importantly, the changes reflect what our applicants told us they wanted. The new format is flexible enough to accommodate complex ideas, while remaining accessible and focused. It’s a user-first design that puts clarity and efficiency at the heart of the experience. We’re confident that this transformation will lead to better outcomes for applicants and for the programmes they engage with.
I want to emphasise that the ATI Programme is open to all UK-registered businesses. Whether you’re a large organisation, SME or Micro organisation, if your technology aligns with the ATI technology strategy, I would encourage you to engage with our funding programmes. We welcome applications that support growth in UK aerospace, and we’re here to help you shape your ideas.
Support is available through the ATI Hub, and we encourage you to make use of the draft Outline Stage process to receive early feedback before submitting formally. This is part of our commitment to making the process more accessible and supportive, especially for those who may be engaging with ATI for the first time.
Full details are now available on our website here.
We will also be 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 your questions during a Q&A session. Click here to register now.
If you have any questions or would like further guidance, please contact us at competitions@ati.org.uk.
We look forward to working with you through the new Outline Stage process to continue advancing technologies on the journey to Destination Zero.
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