Over £4 million has been awarded to pioneering British companies developing next-generation aviation technology, and the winners were announced today.
Invested as part of the government’s future flight programme offered by Innovate UK, the funding is designed to protect the UK’s global leadership in the future of aviation technology, and is a rapidly growing sector of drones and unmanned aircraft systems.
This technology has the potential to transform industries, from healthcare to energy, and is increasingly important in helping to deliver products faster and more efficiently while reducing costs for the public sector and businesses.
The sector also supports an increase in the number of skilled jobs across the UK, boosting the local economy and providing plans for change.
The UK is leading aerospace innovation
The announcement is the latest move built on the UK’s position as a leader in aerospace innovation, following its commitment to a record £13.9 billion investment in research and development.
The funding will support careers that strengthen industries such as life science, green energy and engineering, and expand the UK’s research ecosystem.
Minister of Aviation Keir Mather explained:
“Investing in emerging technologies such as drones and unmanned aircraft is key to creating greener and more efficient transportation systems.
“But this is not good news for the environment. This technology helps us to improve our skills and support high-quality jobs across the country, saving our public sector and businesses with valuable time and money.”
Which projects develop advanced aviation technology?
The successful projects that received funding to develop groundbreaking aviation technologies include:
Beyond Restoration: A project to transform land restoration efforts across multiple UK sites by using long-distance heavy lift drones to provide environmental materials to remote and ecologically sensitive areas. London Health Bridge Project: The UK’s leading medical drone delivery service is using funds to significantly expand its operations, aiming to deliver between 1,000 and 50,000 medical samples per month. London Health Bridge Project: The UK’s leading medical drone delivery service is using funds to significantly expand its operations, aiming to deliver between 1,000 and 50,000 medical samples per month.
“These ambitious new projects highlight the strength of the sector and its diverse applications, including reducing emissions, promoting healthcare delivery, and protecting the environment,” said Simon Masters, Deputy Challenge Director for Future Flights in Innovate UK.
“By focusing on regional recruitment, we aim to promote faster, more impactful growth and social benefits for communities across the UK.”
Airspace modernization with sustainable aviation fuel
The government is committed to accelerating the modernization of airspace across the sector to unlock growth, including supporting the development and use of sustainable aviation fuels.
The government has provided £2.3 billion in funding the Institute of Aerospace Technology Programme over the next decade.
Projects working on next-generation zero-emission aircraft and development of vertical take-off and landing aviation technologies will also be received.
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