Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) SME Programme

About this grant

Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) SME Programme Offers funding for civil aerospace research and technology development in the UK.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• UK-registered SMEs are eligible.
• Businesses other than SMEs can lead, but they must include at least one SME in the consortium.
• The organisation’s primary exploitation route or application must be in civil aerospace.
• Your aerospace research project work must be carried out in the UK.
• Your organisation must intend to exploit the project results from or in the UK.
• Your project must address the specific requirements of the UK aerospace technology strategy, Destination Zero.
• Your organisation must sign up to the ATI framework agreement.
• Your organisation must claim funding.
• Your organisation must speak to the ATI before submitting a capital infrastructure project application, as early engagement can help develop a suitable proposal.
• Your business does not need to be registered with Companies House when you apply, but it must be registered before you can receive funding.
• Your project can include partners that do not receive funding from this competition, such as non-UK businesses.
• Costs from non-funded partners will not count towards the total eligible project costs, but they must be included in your application.

What the funding covers

• Funds industrial research projects for innovative aerospace technology
• Focus: Zero-carbon, ultra-efficient aircraft (UK Destination Zero roadmaps)
• Covers aircraft design, manufacture, assembly, and operation
• Up to £1.5 million per project, 12-36 months duration
• 50% minimum funding must go to SMEs in consortium
• Technology must be commercially exploitable within 5 years
• Research must be carried out in the UK
• Primary sector: Civil aerospace (defence/space only not funded unless dual-use)
• Not funded: Fundamental research, feasibility studies, or export-dependent projects
• Required: Clear route to market and benefits to the UK

How to apply

1. 1The ATI SME Programme is a 2-stage competitive application process
2. 2Stage 1: Submit an outline application (also called Expression of Interest)
3. 3Only successful outline applications are invited to proceed to Stage 2
4. 4Stage 2: Submit a full application if your outline is successful
5. 5Who can apply: UK-registered SMEs (micro, small, medium businesses)
6. 6Non-SMEs can lead but must include at least one SME in consortium
7. 7Funding: Grants up to £1.5 million
8. 8Project duration: 12-36 months
9. 9Work location: Must carry out research in the UK
10. 10Focus area: Civil aerospace (zero-carbon, ultra-efficient aircraft)
11. 11Speak to ATI team before submitting capital infrastructure projects (early engagement recommended)
12. 12Your business must be registered with Companies House before receiving funding (not required at application stage)
13. 13Sign up to the ATI framework agreement
14. 14Applications are submitted through the Innovate UK funding portal

Application tips