In the ever-changing landscape of aviation, Innovate UK is at the forefront of revolutionising the way we connect, deliver, and serve. The Future Flight Challenge, delivered by Innovate UK, is a visionary £300 million programme initiated by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and stands as a beacon of the third revolution in aviation.
Its mission? To reshape the aviation system, introducing innovative classes of zero emission and autonomous vehicles, and redefining how we transport people, goods, and services.
Creating a new industry ecosystem
At the heart of this challenge lies the creation of a new industry ecosystem. Innovate UK collaborates with a diverse array of sectors, from traditional aviation to complementary tech areas such as net zero energy, infrastructure, software, and communication systems. This cross-sector collaboration is not just a challenge; it’s an opportunity to reshape the future of the industry.
Nurturing collaboration
One of the key successes of the future flight programme has been its ability to unite tech companies, end-users, and regulators. Together, they shape the future of aviation, focusing on strategic use-cases that directly benefit essential public services. Medical deliveries by drone, infrastructure inspection, and collaboration with the Royal Mail are just the beginning. Through our landscape map, the programme connects end-users with innovators and investors, fostering a collaborative environment crucial for progress.
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Showcasing the UK’s capabilities
As the programme enters its final 18 months, showcasing the UK’s capabilities becomes paramount. The Future Flight Challenge landscape map will play an increasingly vital role in engaging and building this community. It not only highlights the incredible research and development projects taking flight in the UK but also underlines the vital investments essential for the programme’s continuation.
Looking ahead
The future flight programme continues to evolve. The focus will increasingly shift towards industrialisation, helping businesses scale and grow. The landscape map, an invaluable asset, will play a pivotal role in this journey.
Join the flight
Our landscape map is growing every week, welcoming new organisations into this vibrant community. We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey. Whether you’re an innovator, investor, or enthusiast, your participation is invaluable.
Register and sign up for the landscape map, and let’s pioneer the skies together.
Further information
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Top image: Credit: Kinwun, iStock, Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Simon has 20 years’ experience across industry and public sector roles. With a background in the aerospace industry, he has held several key positions in the civil and military aerospace sectors, including systems engineering and research and development (R&D) roles with Airbus and BAE Systems.
He took up the role of Deputy Director for the UK government’s £300 million Future Flight Challenge programme in 2020, working alongside colleagues to deliver this ambitious aviation R&D programme. Focusing primarily on developing drone capabilities and supporting systems, he has led efforts to integrate technology solutions with emerging use cases, particularly those benefitting public services.