The Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovair, the Swedish programme for aeronautics, together with delivery partners Innovate UK and Vinnova, have launched a new funding call for aerospace R&D projects.
The funding call has been developed to foster R&D projects between the UK and Sweden to advance both countries’ pursuit of transformative technology in air transport, and builds on the first UK-Sweden funding call launched in 2018. UK organisations can apply for a share of up to £2.25 million to develop aerospace technology in partnership with Swedish companies. Combined with funding from the Swedish side and matched industry contributions, the total call amount is £9m.
Applicants are expected to develop projects that have strong market potential for the UK and Sweden and applications must be guided by the respective aerospace strategies of the UK and Sweden: Accelerating Ambition (the UK’s aerospace technology strategy) and NRIA Flyg (the Swedish aeronautical research and innovation agenda).
Both strategies have been recently updated, with priority areas for the UK including leading all-electric battery and fuel cell propulsion systems, advancing autonomous systems, growing capability in complex multi-functional structures, and for the UK to be a key player in the delivery of future sustainable commercial aircraft.
Commenting on the launch of the call, Business Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “International collaboration has a vital role to play in developing the UK’s capabilities in advanced aerospace technology. This funding offers a unique opportunity for companies from the UK and Sweden to work together as they seek to reduce carbon emissions in the aerospace sector, while building relationships and expanding the supply chain in both countries.”
Judith Gough CMG, British Ambassador to Sweden said: “Sweden and the UK are world-leading innovators in the aerospace industry. High-quality research, technology and collaboration are vital, and never more so than now, as the sector strives to decarbonise and launch more sustainable technologies. I hope this joint funding call will close gaps in capability, match up new partners and encourage trade between our countries.”
The CEO of the Aerospace Technology Institute, Gary Elliott, said: “Our teams have worked from a strong base of previous collaboration, shared their new strategies, explored in detail where mutual interest lies and have developed deep knowledge of the capabilities that exist in both countries.
“The ATI wants to fund even more ambitious technology programmes and international collaboration is key to this. As well as continuing to promote ongoing UK-EU technological collaboration, bespoke collaborations such as this are essential to encourage the sector to come forward with new ideas that align with the vision articulated in Accelerating Ambition. We are here to support and develop those aspirations, and I hope the sector accepts the challenge.”
Applications for the call open on Tuesday 14th April 2020 and close on 27th May 2020. The call document can be viewed here: https://www.ati.org.uk/media/w0qpolzo/uk-sweden-aerospace-call-2020.pdf
A number of events have been planned to help potential applicants:
