Question 1

What EU grants are available for the Aerospace sector?

Accepted Answer

The European Commission offers a wide range of funding opportunities specifically designed for the Aerospace sector. These include grants through Horizon Europe (the EU's flagship research and innovation programme with a budget of €95.5 billion), the European Innovation Council (EIC) which provides funding for breakthrough innovations, and various sector-specific initiatives. Funding types range from Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) with 100% funding rates, to Innovation Actions (IA) with 70% funding for companies, and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) for networking and coordination activities. Our database helps you find grants that match your organization's specific needs, project stage, and funding requirements.

Question 2

How do I apply for Aerospace grants from the EU?

Accepted Answer

Applying for EU grants in the Aerospace sector involves several key steps. First, use Grantalist to identify suitable open calls that match your project idea and organization type. Next, carefully review the call documentation, including eligibility criteria, evaluation criteria, and the work programme. Most EU grants require you to form a consortium with partners from at least 3 different EU member states or associated countries. Once ready, you'll submit your proposal through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, which includes a detailed description of your project, work packages, budget breakdown, and impact assessment. The evaluation process typically takes 3-5 months, after which successful applicants enter grant agreement preparation. We recommend starting your application at least 2-3 months before the deadline.

Question 3

What is the typical funding amount for Aerospace EU grants?

Accepted Answer

EU grants for the Aerospace sector offer diverse funding levels depending on the programme and action type. Small-scale grants through programmes like EIC Accelerator can start from €500,000 up to €2.5 million in grant funding, plus up to €15 million in equity investment. Collaborative research projects under Horizon Europe typically range from €3 million to €10 million for standard projects, while some large-scale flagship initiatives can exceed €20 million. SMEs and startups often benefit from higher funding rates (up to 70% for Innovation Actions compared to large companies) and access to specialized instruments. The exact amount depends on the specific call topic, project scope, consortium size, and type of activities proposed.

Question 4

Who is eligible for Aerospace EU grants?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for Aerospace EU grants extends to a wide range of organizations. Legal entities from EU member states and associated countries (including the UK for some programmes, Norway, Switzerland, and others) are typically eligible. This includes universities and research institutions, large enterprises and multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees, startups and scale-ups, public bodies and NGOs, and international organizations. Some calls specifically target certain organization types, such as SME-only calls or academic-focused research grants. Third-country participation is possible in many programmes, though often without EU funding.

EU Grants for Aerospace

MCP on Innovative and Connected Public Administrations

Demonstration of an integrated hydrogen fuel system for a fully electric hydrogen fuel cell powered aircraft

Demonstration of Advanced Low NOx H2C Propulsion System for a direct hydrogen combustion aircraft

Demonstration of a hydrogen distribution system for a direct hydrogen combustion propulsion aircraft

Knowledge for Action in Prevention and Preparedness (KAPP)

Key Technologies for Loads Control Lidar for Ultra-efficient SMR aircraft

Demonstration of low power Ice Protection System technology

Advanced noise-reducing technologies for propulsion systems of next generation Ultra-efficient SMR aircraft

Demonstration of an Optimized System Platform for Ultra-efficient SMR Aircraft

Ground Demonstration of Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Architectures for the Ultra-efficient SMR aircraft

Hydrogen powered aircraft concepts and key technologies integration and impact assessment

Demonstration of an Ultra-Efficient Rear Fuselage and Empennage and Its Integrated Industrial System enabling EIS2035 for the SMR Aircraft

Cryo-cooled power electronics for a fully electric hydrogen fuel cell powered aircraft

Generic physiologically-based population dynamics model for plant pests

Cross-Border Cyber Hubs

National Cyber Hubs

Implementing digital services to empower neuroscience research for health and brain inspired technology via EBRAINS

Trusted frameworks for secure and efficient data sharing in EOSC (EOSC Partnership)

Digital twins and/or their major components for environment, climate and security

Critical Facilities Serving Space EEE components for EU non-dependence – High and Very High Energy Irradiation Test Facility Market Deployment

Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence – Radiation Hard FPGA on 7nm

Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence – GaN MMICs mm-Wave Foundations (Phase A): Development and Industrialization of Semi-insulating SiC Substrate Capabilities

Preparing demonstration missions for Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership)

Centres of Vocational Excellence

Scientific analysis and exploitation of space data

Reinforcing EU autonomous access to space through EU-based spaceports

Digital enablers and building-blocks for Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership)

Space critical Equipment for EU non-dependence – Space Refuelling Interface

Full-scale demonstration of heat upgrade solutions in industrial processes

European Partnership on Rare Diseases (ERDERA) (Phase 2)

Frequently Asked Questions About Aerospace EU Grants