ATI SME Programme

ATI SME Programme

Supports global aerospace innovation teams requiring small-enterprise participation in partnerships.

The ATI SME Programme is a dedicated funding stream within the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme, providing grants of up to £1.5 million for civil aerospace R&D projects where at least 50% of eligible project costs are directed to micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises. The programme is administered through a two-stage competition process — Stage 1 Expression of Interest submitted via the ATI website, followed by a full Stage 2 application through Innovate UK's Innovation Funding Service — and operates on a batch schedule with opening dates published on the ATI website. The ATI itself is an independent not-for-profit jointly funded by the Department for Business and Trade and industrial grant recipients.

Eligibility is open to any UK-registered organisation, including businesses, academic institutions, research and technology organisations, and charities, provided the project aligns with ATI Destination Zero roadmaps and demonstrates that at least half of all eligible project costs flow to SMEs. Projects must be civil aerospace industrial research; fundamental research and experimental development are excluded. Businesses receive funding at 50–70% of eligible costs depending on size; a cost-share requirement of 50% (higher than the Strategic Programme's 40%) applies. Non-UK partners may participate but must cover their own costs. Applicants must comply with the Subsidy Control Act 2022 and sign the ATI framework agreement before funding is released.

To win SME Programme funding, consortia should be structured so that SME involvement is genuine and quantifiable — assessors will scrutinise the cost allocation to confirm the 50% SME threshold is met in substance, not only on paper. Aligning the project to a specific Destination Zero technology theme and using ATI Tech Clinics for pre-application guidance (competitions@ati.org.uk) materially improves bid quality.