Advancing atmospheric and aerial autonomy
UK Research and Innovation funds projects to rapidly develop and demonstrate autonomous technologies for atmospheric science and environmental monitoring in the UK.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: October 21, 2026: Full application submission deadline
Funding Amounts: £300,000–£1,000,000 per project (100% FEC); total fund £4 million; project duration 3–12 months
Summary: Supports rapid development, integration, and demonstration of autonomous technologies for atmospheric science and environmental monitoring in the UK.
Description
This funding opportunity, delivered by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), aims to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative autonomous solutions for atmospheric science and environmental applications. The scheme targets projects that translate promising technologies—such as autonomous sensors, measurement systems, and aerial platforms—into operational capabilities that deliver high-quality environmental data and demonstrator assets. The initiative strongly encourages multidisciplinary collaboration, with a focus on rapid mobilisation, meaningful partnerships, and the creation of sustainable and accessible capabilities for the UK environmental science community. Approximately half of the funding is reserved for advances in atmospheric observing capability, and the other half for autonomous aerial systems in broader environmental domains.
