Sectors
Aerospace & Space Technology
From next-generation aircraft and sustainable aviation systems to satellites and commercial launch technologies, the aerospace and space sector is shaping the future of global mobility, connectivity, and exploration.
Grant funding for Aerospace & Space Technology
These technologies are strategically critical – supporting everything from communications and Earth observation to defence, navigation, climate monitoring, and scientific discovery. However, aerospace and space innovation is also highly capital-intensive, technically complex, and heavily regulated, making access to non-dilutive funding particularly valuable.
Across the UK and Europe, governments are investing heavily in the future of aviation and the growing “New Space Economy”, supporting breakthroughs in areas such as zero-emission flight, satellite systems, launch infrastructure, and advanced aerospace manufacturing.
Grant funding offers businesses and researchers a unique opportunity to scale their impact while retaining ownership. The benefits include:
- Supporting High Capex R&D: projects require long development timelines, specialist engineering expertise, and extensive testing.
- Accelerate Commercialisation: public funding can support demonstrators, flight trials, validation activities, and early commercial missions.
- Enable Strategic Collaboration: programmes encourage collaboration between industry, research institutions, agencies, and supply chain partners.
- Strengthen Investor and Market Confidence: Winning competitive grant funding provides strong external validation of your technology.
Success Stories
Open Medical: €800k Grant from EUREKA Eurostars for Health Technology
Open Medical Ltd, a London-based digital health company, develops cloud-based software to optimise patient care and workflows. Its flagship platform, Pathpoint®, is widely adopted across NHS Trusts and internationally.
Total Funding: €800k
AlphaLoops: IUK Smart Grant funding for exciting FinTech
AlphaLoops is a fintech startup transforming how asset managers handle compliance and due diligence. Their AI-powered “agentic co-pilot” automates the completion of complex documents like RFPs and DDQs — cutting processing time from 40 hours to under 5.
Total Funding: £307k
Aerospace & Space Technology themes for grant funding
- Sustainable Aviation & Zero-Emission Flight: Electric aircraft, hydrogen propulsion systems, lightweight materials, and advanced aerodynamics designed to reduce aviation emissions and support net-zero aviation goals.
- Satellite Systems & Earth Observation: Satellite constellations, communications infrastructure, remote sensing, Earth observation platforms, and geospatial analytics supporting connectivity, climate monitoring, and security applications.
- Commercial Space & Launch Technologies: Launch vehicles, propulsion systems, in-space services, orbital infrastructure, and technologies supporting the growing commercial space economy.
- Advanced Aerospace Manufacturing: Digital engineering, robotics, additive manufacturing, and smart production systems enabling more efficient and resilient aerospace supply chains.
Aerospace & Space Technology funding programmes and funders
| Programme | Funder | Grant value | Stage | Who can apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK funding | ||||
| ATI Programme | Aerospace Technology Institute, with DBT and Innovate UK | Varies by competition | Collaborative R&D | UK aerospace businesses and research organisations |
| Sector competitions, e.g. future flight, net zero aviation, advanced manufacturing | Innovate UK | Varies by competition | Feasibility to development | UK businesses |
| European funding | ||||
| Pillar II Cluster 4: Digital, Industry & Space collaborative calls | Horizon Europe | Varies, often multi-million | Collaborative R&D | Consortia, incl. UK |
| ESA programmes | European Space Agency | Varies by programme | Feasibility to commercialisation | Organisations in ESA member states, incl. UK |
| EIC Accelerator | European Innovation Council | €500k–€2.5m grant + up to €10m equity | Scale-up | SMEs (UK: grant only) |
| Other funding options are also available. Grant values are indicative and vary by call. | ||||
Winning Grant Funding for Aerospace & Space Technology
“Successful aerospace and space funding applications require more than technical innovation alone. Projects must demonstrate strong consortium capabilities, strategic relevance, commercial potential, technical feasibility, and sustainability impact.
Engaging with a grant funding expert ensures your application has the best possible chance of getting funded.”
Laura Baiges Sotos
Aerospace & Space Sector Expert
Ready for the next steps?
If you are developing transformative aerospace and space technologies, then don’t leave money on the table with grant funding. We help innovators navigate complex funding landscapes and build competitive applications aligned with UK and European priorities.
Get in touch with our team to find out more.
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