Winning projects will help build a greener and more efficient transport system while supporting high-quality jobs across the UK
Over £4 million in taxpayer-funding has been awarded to pioneering British businesses developing next-generation aviation technology, with winners announced today (29 September 2025).
Invested as part of the government’s Future Flight programme, delivered by Innovate UK, the taxpayer-funding is designed to secure the UK’s global leadership in the future of aviation and the fast-growing field of drones and unmanned aircraft systems.
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The technologies have the potential to transform industries from healthcare to energy and will become increasingly important to help deliver goods – including vital medical supplies – more quickly and efficiently, while cutting costs for the public sector and businesses. The sectors are also supporting increased numbers of highly-skilled jobs across the UK, boosting regional economies and delivering the Plan for Change.
Projects working on next-generation zero-emission aircraft and the development of vertical take-off and landing technology will also receive funding.
Aviation Minister, Keir Mather, said:
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 £14.9 billion in research and development, strengthening industries including life sciences, green energy and engineering and supporting careers that will grow the UK’s research ecosystem.
Among the successful projects are:
Simon Masters, Deputy Challenge Director for Future Flight at Innovate UK, said:
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The government is committed to accelerating airspace modernisation across the sector to unlock growth, including by backing the development with taxpayer funds and the use of sustainable aviation fuel, including through the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill, which will boost green fuel production in the UK and help deliver cleaner flights.
The government has committed £2.3 billion in taxpayer-funding over the next 10 years to the Aerospace Technology Institute programme, which helps the sector to manufacture newer, more efficient, electric aircraft.