iX Challenge: Resilient High-Altitude Communications, Navigation and Mission Connectivity for Persistent Autonomous Aircraft
Funding
Contact funder
Deadline
6 November 2026
Location
England
Applications
Deadline: 6 November 2026
Overview
Innovate UK Business Connect is running this challenge on behalf of Advanced Integrated Technologies Ltd (AiT). They are looking for innovative technologies that can keep a high-altitude autonomous aircraft connected and navigating reliably. The aircraft operates in the stratosphere, so solutions must be lightweight and low-power. If you have technology that could solve this problem, this challenge may be for you.
Requirements to check
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Technology must provide command, control, navigation, or mission-data connectivity
- Solution must be low-SWaP (low size, weight, and power)
- Must be suitable for persistent autonomous aircraft operating in the stratosphere
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
This is for businesses or innovators with technology in communications, navigation, or data connectivity that could work at high altitude with low size, weight, and power requirements. It suits tech companies, deep-tech startups, and specialist engineering firms. It is not aimed at general businesses with no relevant technology to offer.
Regions
No published award history for Innovate UK Business Connect. Some funders do not publish their grants data.
Full details from Innovate UK Business Connect
Innovate UK Business Connect is supporting Advanced Integrated Technologies Ltd (AiT) to identify innovative technologies capable of providing reliable, resilient and low-SWaP command, control, navigation and mission-data connectivity for a persistent autonomous aircraft operating in the stratosphere.
Apply through Innovate UK Business Connect before 6 November 2026. The challenge is run on behalf of AiT, so check the Innovate UK Business Connect website for the application portal and any required steps.
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