Zero Emission Flight Demonstrat

Animal Research Rule: Projects involving animals must comply with UKRI animal welfare guidance.

Appendices Required: Innovation appendix. Team summary appendix. Project plan or Gantt chart. Risk register.

Application Limit: A business can lead or collaborate on multiple applications. Must demonstrate delivery capability.

Application Platform: Innovation Funding Service

Application Sections: Project details. Application questions. Finances. Project Impact.

Assessment Process: Reviewed by five independent assessors. Portfolio approach applied. Projects with flying demonstrators prioritised.

Co-Funder: 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.

Competitiveness: Not specified

Decision Risks: Portfolio approach may limit awards. Outstanding payments to Innovate UK may affect decision. Funding subject to sufficient high quality applications.

Decision Timeline: Applicants notified 20 April 2026.

Eligible Expenses: Eligible project costs up to stated limits. Must comply with Innovate UK cost guidance.

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.

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.

Important Notes: Collaboration only competition. Projects must start on first of month. Project must not start before Grant Offer Letter approval. Funding allocations may be adjusted.

Ineligible Leads: Academic institutions cannot lead or work alone.

Ineligible Projects: On aircraft propulsion technologies. eVTOLs or uncrewed aircraft. Commercial spaceflight. Hydrogen production outside aviation environments. Cross sector hydrogen infrastructure without aviation focus. Projects offering financial support for commercial operations.

Interview Stage: Not specified

Key Requirements: Must demonstrate zero emission capability. Must participate in UK CAA Hydrogen Challenge regulatory sandbox if funded. Must align with DfT objectives.

Match Funding Requirement: Required. Organisation must fund balance of eligible project costs not covered by grant.

Project Duration: 12 to 24 months

Project End Date: Must end by 31 July 2028

Project Start Date: Must start by 1 August 2026

Publication Date: 2026-02-12 00:00:00

Renewal Rules: Previously assessed applications may be resubmitted once if not materially different.

Research Category: Feasibility studies. Industrial research.

Sanctions Rule: Funding will not be provided where it breaches UK sanctions.

Specific Themes: Demonstration of zero emission aircraft. Refuelling and ground handling using low carbon hydrogen or electricity. Regulatory standards development. Business case and feasibility studies.

Subcontractors: Allowed. Overseas subcontractors must be justified. Lower cost alone is not sufficient reason.

Subsidy Scheme: Awarded under Research, Development and Innovation Streamlined Subsidy Scheme SC10780. Classified as a Subsidy under the Subsidy Control Act 2022.

Total Fund Available: Minimum £8,000,000