Over £4m in funding has been awarded to pioneering British businesses developing next-generation aviation technology, with the winners being announced today.
Invested as part of the government’s Future Flight programme, delivered by Innovate UK, the funding is designed to secure the UK’s global leadership in the future of aviation technology and the fast-growing field of drones and unmanned aircraft systems.
The technologies have the potential to transform industries, from healthcare to energy, and will become increasingly important in helping to deliver goods – including vital medical supplies – more quickly and efficiently, while cutting costs for the public sector and businesses.
The sectors are also supporting an increased number of skilled jobs across the UK, boosting regional economies and delivering the Plan for Change.
The UK is taking the lead in aerospace innovation
The announcement is the latest move by the government to build on the UK’s position as a leader in aerospace innovation and follows a commitment to invest a record £13.9bn in research and development.
This funding will strengthen industries such as life sciences, green energy, and engineering, and support careers that will grow the UK’s research ecosystem.
Aviation Minister, Keir Mather, explained: “We’re backing the next generation of British aviation businesses whose transformative technologies will reshape how we live and work in the years to come.
“Investing in emerging technologies like drones and unmanned aircraft is key to building a greener and more efficient transport system.
“However, this isn’t just good news for the environment. This technology will also save our public sector and businesses valuable time and money, while helping to boost skills and support high-quality jobs nationwide.”
Which projects will develop advanced aviation technology?
The successful projects receiving funding to develop groundbreaking aviation technology include:
- Beyond Restoration: A project transforming land restoration efforts across multiple UK sites by using long-range, heavy-lift drones to deliver environmental materials to remote and ecologically sensitive areas.
- The London Health Bridge Project: The UK’s leading medical drone delivery service, which will use the funding to significantly scale up its operations, aiming to increase from 1,000 to 50,000 medical sample deliveries per month.
- The London Health Bridge Project: The UK’s leading medical drone delivery service, which will use the funding to significantly scale up its operations, aiming to increase from 1,000 to 50,000 medical sample deliveries per month.
“These ambitious new projects highlight the strength of the sector and its diverse applications, from reducing emissions, advancing healthcare delivery and protecting our environment,” stated Simon Masters, Deputy Challenge Director for Future Flight at Innovate UK.
“By focusing on regional adoption, we aim to drive faster, more impactful growth and societal benefits for communities across the UK.”
Airspace modernisation through sustainable aviation fuel
The government is committed to accelerating airspace modernisation across the sector to unlock growth, including by backing the development and use of sustainable aviation fuel, through the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill, which will boost green fuel production in the UK and help deliver cleaner flights.
The government has committed £2.3bn in funding over the next 10 years to the Aerospace Technology Institute programme, which helps the sector manufacture newer, more efficient, electric aircraft.
Projects working on next-generation zero-emission aircraft and the development of vertical take-off and landing aviation technology will also receive funding.
