Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI Programme)

Offers aerospace-focused United Kingdom innovation competitions through an independent not-for-profit body backed by industry.

The Aerospace Technology Institute Programme is the UK's civil aerospace R&D platform, delivered jointly by the independent Aerospace Technology Institute, Innovate UK, and the Department for Business and Trade. It co-funds research against the UK's aerospace technology strategy, with public commitments of GBP 685 million for 2022-2025, GBP 975 million for 2025-2030, and up to GBP 2.3 billion through 2035.

The programme is built around three streams: Strategic, SME, and Non-CO2. Strategic and Non-CO2 awards can reach GBP 18 million, the SME route can reach GBP 1.5 million, and the SME stream asks at least half of eligible costs to sit with micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises. All three use two-stage competitions and are open to UK-registered organisations working on civil aerospace technologies.

ATI is strongest where projects line up with Destination Zero roadmaps and show industrial commitment. Strategic and Non-CO2 competitions carry a 2.5% industrial contribution requirement, so consortia need credible commercial partners as well as technical depth. The programme favors projects that can move advanced manufacturing, digital design, and lower-carbon flight concepts toward industry adoption.