ATI Grant Funding
Grant funding for UK aerospace innovation aligned with zero-emission, ultra-efficient, and climate-focused technologies.
Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI)
The ATI works in partnership with the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) 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, Destination Zero, which identifies the following priority areas: zero-carbon emission aircraft technologies, ultra-efficient aircraft technologies, cross-cutting enablers and non-CO2 technologies.
Funding Stream
The ATI offers multiple funding routes to accelerate innovation in UK civil aerospace, each tailored to different project scopes and strategic goals.
1. SME Programme
Designed for UK-registered SMEs and consortia involving SMEs, this stream supports proof-of-concept, industrial research, and experimental development.
- Typical funding: Up to £1.5 million per project
- Covers TRL 3–6 activities, from early-stage feasibility to large-scale demonstrations
- Aligned to the UK Aerospace Technology Strategy – “Destination Zero”
2. Strategic Programme
For large-scale, transformational R&D projects that align strongly with UK aerospace priorities and deliver major industry impact.
- Larger budgets, longer project durations, and high-TRL objectives
- Encourages collaboration between primes, SMEs, academia, and the wider supply chain
- Focused on breakthrough technologies and sector-wide benefits
3. Non-CO₂ Impact Programme
Targets climate-relevant emissions beyond CO₂, such as contrails, NOx, soot, and particulates.
- Funds projects that improve measurement, modelling, and mitigation of non-CO₂ effects
- Supports new propulsion concepts, flight operations, and fuel innovations
- Aims to help the sector achieve net-zero goals through a whole-climate perspective
Funding Details
- This is a competitive grant programme, with funding allocations determined per application by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
- Grant sizes can reach up to £1.5 million, enabling high-impact industrial R&D in aerospace.
Application Process
- Outline Stage (Stage 1): Submit an outline proposal, evaluating eligibility and alignment.
- Full‑Stage Application (Stage 2): Invitation-only, for successful outline applicants only.
- Application deadlines, pitch panel dates, and outcome notifications follow a scheduled structure (e.g., drafts open 15th September, closes 1st October, panels mid‑October, with decisions notified by late October).
How We Can Help
Navigating the application process for the ATI SME Programme can be complex. Our team offers comprehensive support, including:
- Identifying the most suitable ATI funding stream - whether that’s the SME Programme, Strategic Programme, or Non-CO₂ Impact stream.
- Assisting with proposal development and submission, ensuring your application clearly demonstrates technical excellence, strategic fit, and commercial potential.
- Providing guidance on project planning and budgeting, aligned to ATI and Innovate UK cost eligibility rules.
- Offering strategic advice to strengthen your application and maximise your chances of securing funding.
Get Started
If you’re developing an innovative aerospace technology and want to leverage non-dilutive grant funding of up to £1.5 million through the ATI SME Programme to take your R&D to the next level, now is the time to act.
Contact Streets Innovation today for a no-obligation consultation, our expert team can help you navigate the ATI application process, prepare a winning proposal, and maximise your chances of success.
Let’s turn your aerospace innovation into impact - get in touch now!
