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

Creative alliances: Fostering global partnerships in cultural policies and CCI innovation

Preventing and fighting illicit trafficking of cultural goods

Sustainable paths to media viability

Future multirole light aircraft

Self-protection systems

Smart technologies for next generation fighter systems

Integration of Galileo PRS receivers on weapon systems and NAVWAR operational centres in military C2

Integrated Production and Product Development for Next-Generation Lithium-based Batteries for Mobility (BATT4EU and Made in Europe Partnerships)

Enhanced resilience in multimodal passenger transport through digital technologies and generative and discriminative AI

Energy efficient urban and sub-urban public transport, complemented by shared mobility

Flagship-pilot: large-scale demonstrations of CCAM (CCAM Partnership)

Increasing competitiveness and resilience of multimodal freight transport and logistics for competitive supply chains

Enhancing the security of citizens against terrorism and lone-actor violence in confined spaces such as schools

Climate security and civil preparedness – new ways to develop pre- and post-crisis climate-change related scenarios for a more resilient Europe

Multi-hazard approach and cumulative / cascading impacts

Development of innovative tools, processes, equipment and technologies through responses to disasters and emergencies for search and rescue in hazardous conditions

Additional activities for the European Partnership of Agriculture of Data

Approaches to reuse vacant, obsolete or underutilised spaces

Understanding inhabitant’s experiences of neighbourhoods to support their health and well-being

Innovative approaches for the spatial design of neighbourhoods

Data sharing to support the training and development of AI foundation models in the energy sector

De-risking renewable fuel technologies through transnational pre-commercial procurement of renewable fuel industrial value chains

Innovative solutions for the sustainable and beautiful use of vertical space

‘Proof of market’ to improve valorisation and commercialisation of Horizon generated R&I results (IA)

Expert network on Critical raw materials (CSA)

Fast Track to Research and Innovation for breakthroughs in industrial technologies (Research and Innovation Action)

Factory processes and automation for de- and re-manufacturing (RIA) (Made in Europe partnership)

Better understanding and attribution of land and ocean carbon sources and sinks

Palaeoclimate science for a better understanding of Earth system dynamics

Pillar II: Talent ecosystems for attractive early research careers

Frequently Asked Questions About Aerospace EU Grants