The Aerospace Technology Institute, Boeing, and European accelerator Ignite have teamed up to launch a brand new aerospace acceleration programme, with the aim of strengthening the UK's aerospace industry.
Applications for the inaugural round of the ATI Boeing Accelerator are now open and will be accepted until November 15. GKN Aerospace is this batch’s corporate sponsor. Twice per year, the accelerator programme will accept anywhere from eight to 15 startups developing industry 4.0 or sustainable technologies. Each startup will receive £100,000 equity investment from Boeing HorizonX Ventures, plus direct access to Boeing and GKN Aerospace strategists and technical experts throughout the three-month period. All told, Boeing will invest £2 million over two years. As for what the organisers are seeking, programme director Gabi Matic explained: “We are looking for startups working to change the landscape of the UK aerospace industry. We’re especially interested in innovative operations, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain startups, and workforce training and safety. We are also happy to receive applications from startups developing technologies for other areas relevant to the aerospace industry.”
Wil Benton, venture & ecosystem director at ATI Boeing Accelerator, said: “Over the last eight years, Ignite has worked with both private and public investment stakeholders to accelerate, invest in and support more than 200 early-stage technology startups. We are incredibly excited with this programme – the first corporate programme we’re delivering – and can’t wait to see the innovation the selected startups will bring to the aerospace industry once our first cohort starts in January.”
Once the programme is over, the startups will pitch their businesses to potential customers, industry stakeholders, and investors. For now, ATI Boeing Accelerator is holding office hours for companies interested in finding out more about the programme.
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