Zero Emission Flight Demonstrator round one
Innovate UK · United Kingdom
Grant funding to demonstrate zero emission commercial capable flight in the UK. Supports flight operations, ground handling, infrastructure and regulatory readiness for zero emission aircraft.
Summary
Deadline
1 Apr 2026
Complexity
High
Time to apply
60-120 hours
Updated
9 Jun 2026
Grant funding to demonstrate zero emission commercial capable flight in the UK. Supports flight operations, ground handling, infrastructure and regulatory readiness for zero emission aircraft.
Eligibility
Applicant types
Business
Business size
SME, Large
Industries
Aviation. Zero emission flight operations. Airport infrastructure.
Match funding
Required
Requirements
UK registered business of any size must lead. Collaboration required. UK registered business must lead per Zero Emission Flight Demonstrator round one competition. Projects must progress zero emission commercial flight in the UK. May include flight operations, ground handling, infrastructure, regulatory standards or feasibility evidence. Industrial research may include demonstration of zero emi...
Eligible applicants
UK registered business of any size must lead. Collaboration required.
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
Up to £250,000 for feasibility studies. Up to £5,000,000 for industrial research. No more than £3,000,000 per enterprise under RD&I Streamlined Scheme.
Total fund available
£8,000,000
Funding intensity
Up to 70% for micro or small organisations. Up to 60% for medium organisations. Up to 50% for large organisations. Research organisations undertaking non economic activity can share up to 30% of total eligible costs.
Payment type
Reimbursement (in arrears)
Eligible scope
Projects must progress zero emission commercial flight in the UK. May include flight operations, ground handling, infrastructure, regulatory standards or feasibility evidence. Industrial research may include demonstration of zero emission aircraft on A-B UK routes.
Eligible expenses
- Eligible project costs up to stated limits. Must comply with Innovate UK cost guidance.
Ineligible costs
- Costs not eligible under Innovate UK IFS competition guidance.
Application and risks
Application platform
Innovation Funding Service
Competitiveness
Closed / Not accepting applications
Decision timeline
Applicants notified 20 April 2026.
Assessment process
Reviewed by five independent assessors. Portfolio approach applied. Projects with flying demonstrators prioritised.
Application sections
- Project details. Application questions. Finances. Project Impact.
Application components
Not specified
Required documents
Not specified
Appendices
- Innovation appendix. Team summary appendix. Project plan or Gantt chart. Risk register.
Assessment criteria
Not specified
Decision risks
Portfolio approach may limit awards. Outstanding payments to Innovate UK may affect decision. Funding subject to sufficient high quality applications.
Timeline and partners
Opening date
16 Feb 2026
Project duration
12 to 24 months
Project start
31 Jul 2026
Project end
30 Jul 2028
Co-funders
- Department for Transport
Collaboration rules
- At least one additional UK registered organisation must collaborate. No single partner may account for more than 70% of total eligible costs.
Consortium requirements
- Single applicants or collaborations per Innovate UK competition guidance.
Additional guidance
[{"label":"Ineligible Leads","value":"Academic institutions cannot lead or work alone."},{"label":"Application Limit","value":"A business can lead or collaborate on multiple applications. Must demonstrate delivery capability."},{"label":"Research Category","value":"Feasibility studies. Industrial research."},{"label":"Specific Themes","value":"Demonstration of zero emission aircraft. Refuelling and ground handling using low carbon hydrogen or electricity. Regulatory standards development. Business case and feasibility studies."},{"label":"Subcontractors","value":"Allowed. Overseas subcontractors must be justified. Lower cost alone is not sufficient reason."},{"label":"Subsidy Scheme","value":"Awarded under Research, Development and Innovation Streamlined Subsidy Scheme SC10780. Classified as a Subsidy under the Subsidy Control Act 2022."},{"label":"Sanctions Rule","value":"Funding will not be provided where it breaches UK sanctions."},{"label":"Animal Research Rule","value":"Projects involving animals must comply with UKRI animal welfare guidance."},{"label":"Interview Stage","value":"Not specified"},{"label":"Key Requirements","value":"Must demonstrate zero emission capability. Must participate in UK CAA Hydrogen Challenge regulatory sandbox if funded. Must align with DfT objectives."},{"label":"Renewal Rules","value":"Previously assessed applications may be resubmitted once if not materially different."},{"label":"Important Notes","value":"Collaboration only competition. Projects must start on first of month. Project must not start before Grant Offer Letter approval. Funding allocations may be adjusted."}]
Quick facts
- Status
- Closed
- Deadline
- 1 Apr 2026
- Funding amount
- Up to £250,000 for feasibility studies. Up to £5,000,000 for industrial research. No more than £3,000,000 per enterprise under RD&I Streamlined Scheme.
- Funding band
- Large (£5M+)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Payment type
- Reimbursement (in arrears)
- Audience
- Business
- Industry
- Aviation. Zero emission flight operations. Airport infrastructure.
- Last updated
- 9 Jun 2026
- Published
- 11 Feb 2026