Accelerating Zero-Emission Aviation in the UK: Innovate UK, in collaboration with the Department for Transport (DfT), has launched two groundbreaking funding competitions to support the next generation of aviation technology in the UK. These initiatives are part of the wider Future of Flight programme, aimed at making zero-emission air travel and advanced drone services a commercial reality.

£600,000 Future Flight Regional Demonstrator

This competition is designed to back projects that demonstrate the large-scale potential of innovative flight technologies—including drones, eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing), and zero-emission CTOLs (conventional take-off and landing)—in real-world UK settings. The goal is to attract investment and deliver real benefits to local communities.
👉 Click here for competition details

£3 Million Future Flight Strategic Growth Competition

With a focus on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations, this competition supports collaborative projects driving the UK towards routine commercial drone usage. Successful proposals will contribute to safer skies and establish the UK as a leader in drone innovation.
👉 Click here for competition details

Both competitions close on 11 June 2025, and form part of the UK Government’s £20 million commitment to support future flight technologies, announced on 1 April 2025 by the Aviation Minister.

Upcoming Online Briefings – 19 May 2025

Don’t miss the opportunity to attend free briefing events and learn more about each competition:

• Future Flight Strategic Growth:
  🕚 11:00–12:00
  🔗 Join via Zoom
• Future Flight Regional Demonstrator:
  🕞 15:30–16:30
  🔗 Join via Zoom

Now’s the time to shape the skies of tomorrow—apply today!