£30m fund for innovations to revolutionise flying

The Government-funded UK Research and Innovation initiative has launched a competition to revolutionise the way we fly – with a fund of £30m available.

Bids are invited from both aviation and non-aviation companies and organisations of all sizes, to develop systems and technology that support the use of new types of electric and/or autonomous air vehicles.

The projects will address the challenge of using these air vehicles safely and practically. For example: integrating them into existing airports, airspace, rural and urban environments; building public confidence; developing new business models, and more.

The vehicles could include flying taxis, drones delivering medical supplies, small electric aircraft, vertical take-off and landing vehicles and autonomous aircraft – innovations that could help people and goods get around faster, reduce road congestion and reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation system.

Companies and organisations of all sizes, from within and outside of the aviation and aerospace sectors, can bid for either:

1. £150,000-£500,000 per project here
2. £500,000-£10 million per project here

Business Minister Nadhim Zahawi said, “The Future Flight Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for businesses across the UK, whether large or small, to bid for funding to make their most advanced ideas a reality.

“By supporting the development of innovative aviation systems, together with autonomous and low carbon technology, this exciting competition will pave the way for the future of flight.”

The competition is the second phase of the Future Flight Challenge, part of UKRI’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.