ATI Strategic Programme (next batch)
Funds strategic civil aerospace research collaborations in the United Kingdom with sustained support across multiple intake windows.
The ATI Programme is the UK government's primary grant funding mechanism for civil aerospace technology research and development, administered jointly by the Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK on behalf of UKRI. The programme runs approximately three Expression of Interest batches per year, with each batch opening on the Innovate UK Funding Service and typically remaining open for two to three weeks. The current programme period covers financial years 2025–26 through 2029–30, with a total government allocation of £975 million over that five-year span. Grants are non-repayable and the programme is open to UK-registered businesses, research and technology organisations, universities, and other eligible entities.
Three funding streams operate under the programme. The Strategic Programme offers grants of up to £18 million per organisation, requiring that industrial research projects receive no more than 60% of eligible costs as grant (with capital infrastructure projects capped at 50%). The SME Programme provides grants of up to £1.5 million and requires that at least half of eligible project costs are directed to micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises. The Non-CO2 Programme, also offering up to £18 million, addresses technologies targeting non-carbon-dioxide emissions from aviation. All three streams require alignment with the ATI's Destination Zero technology roadmaps and the UK Aerospace Technology Strategy.
Eligible technology focus areas include zero-carbon emission propulsion (battery, hydrogen, fuel cell), ultra-efficient aircraft improvements, cross-cutting enabling technologies, and non-CO2 emissions reduction. The programme does not fund defence or space-focused work, fundamental research, or early-stage experimental development. Lead applicants must sign the ATI framework agreement and demonstrate plans to exploit project results within the UK. Non-UK partners may participate as self-funded consortium members.
Civil aerospace industrial research aligned with ATI Destination Zero roadmaps, targeting zero-carbon propulsion, ultra-efficient aircraft, advanced manufacturing, and digital design tools.
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