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

Pillar II: Talent ecosystems for attractive early research careers

Demand-side 3C pilot demonstrators on converged Telco Edge Cloud Infrastructure (IA)

International cooperation in AI (IA)

Large scale operational validation and upscaling of state-of-the-art (Generative) AI tools and models powering a next generation digital energy system

Living labs to enhance soil health in Continental, Black Sea, Pannonian and Steppic biogeographical regions

Innovative healthcare interventions for non-communicable diseases

European Partnership for Pandemic Preparedness (Phase 2)

Noise reduction breakthroughs for new ultraefficient aircraft

Assessing the effect of airport operations on air quality and noise in nearby communities

Sustainable aircraft circular design and additive manufacturing, towards a climate neutral aviation

Fire prevention and mitigation for EVs in confined areas (2ZERO Partnership)

Novel approaches towards next-generation battery concepts, leveraging the enabling role of innovative advanced materials (BATT4EU and IAM4EU Partnerships)

Data-driven circular economy for e-mobility ecosystem (2ZERO Partnership)

Open topic on reinvigorating and shielding European democracy

AI supporting informed advice for farmers and foresters to improve competitiveness and sustainability

Pioneering Destination Earth for a Sustainable Future: Large-Scale Pilots and Demonstrators

Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence

Quantum Space Gravimetry topic

ISOS4I Pilot Mission Integrated Ground Test and consolidation of space-compatible USI solutions

Space critical equipment for EU non-dependence

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

Digital solutions for autonomy for space transportation systems, design and simulation tools - Digital enablers and building blocks (Space Partnership)

Digital enablers and building blocks for collaborative Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunications for Space solutions (Space Partnership)

Secure Computing Continuum (IoT, Edge, Cloud, Data spaces)

Demonstration of industrial excess/waste heat conversion to mechanical or electrical power

Living labs to monitor and mitigate carcinogenic substances in and originating from soils: Evaluating their effects on human cancer risks

Integrating Remote Sensing and in-situ observations of Biodiversity, towards a fully interoperable observation and data framework

Living Labs for the eradication and/or management of invasive alien species

Developing effective air quality planning strategies through innovative multi-scale modelling

Virtual Human Twins (VHTs) for integrated clinical decision support in prevention and diagnosis

Frequently Asked Questions About Aerospace EU Grants