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

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

Urban nature: supporting restoration of urban ecosystems, along urban transport networks and in the built environment

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

Towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) for healthcare

Impact of access to nature-positive environments in promoting social cohesion and reducing inequalities in urban and peri-urban settings

Crafting routes to a circular economy

Safeguarding & transmission of intangible cultural heritage

Women’s, LGBTIQ and minority rights in a context of autocracy, conflict and geopolitical shifts

AI4Creatives Support Platform: embracing a fair AI revolution

Strengthening evidence-based policies for the resilience of European agriculture and forestry and related supply chains against crises and systemic risks

Governance, sustainable development and international politics of a future ice-free Arctic

Unlocking a safe operating space for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean

African Union – European Union Partnership on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA)

Increasing the resilience of agriculture in water and nutrient-scarce environments through digital innovations

Future-proofing sustainable cultural tourism

The impact of EU labour mobility on the Member States of the EU

Societal impact of cultural heritage

Identifying user-focused solutions to support news media freedom

Enhancing Resilience and Accuracy in Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Systems and e-conspicuity solutions

Frequently Asked Questions About Aerospace EU Grants