Innovate UK launches funding competitions to promote dual-use aviation technologies

The government’s innovation agency, Innovate UK, has announced two new funding competitions aimed at accelerating the development of “dual-use” aviation technologies, with applications opening in early May.

image: Innovate UK

Innovate UK says the programmes are designed to support technologies that can be applied in both civilian and defence settings. The initiative reflects growing government interest in strengthening the UK’s capabilities in areas such as autonomous systems, advanced air mobility and counter-drone technologies.

A LinkedIn post accompanying the announcement confirmed that up to £15m in total funding will be made available across the two competitions.

The larger of the two funds (Dual‑use aviation systems and autonomy), worth up to £10m, will focus on dual-use aviation systems and autonomy. This includes the development of uncrewed and autonomous aircraft, as well as enabling technologies that could be deployed across commercial and military aviation sectors.

A second competition (Counter UAS technologies), with up to £5m in funding, will target counter-uncrewed aerial system (counter-UAS) technologies. The aim is to support solutions that can detect, deter or mitigate the risks posed by the illegal or malicious use of drones, particularly in protecting critical infrastructure and public safety.

Innovate UK said it is seeking proposals from a broad range of applicants, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), larger companies, public sector organisations and collaborative consortia from across the UK.

Both competitions will open on 5 May 2026. An online briefing event is scheduled for 11 May, and the application deadline is set for 3 June 2026.

Further details, including eligibility criteria and application guidance, are available through Innovate UK’s official funding competition pages.