GATE II launched: Hamburg's R&D programme for sustainable aviation to take to the skies in 2024

IFB Hamburg has announced a new edition of its successful funding programme GATE (Green Aviation Technologies). The aviation research programme GATE aims to lead Hamburg's aviation industry into a more sustainable future. With a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), GATE II supports Hamburg-based suppliers and engineering service providers in the development of new, environmentally friendly concepts, technologies and products with individual funding of up to €500,000 and up to €2 million for joint projects. Universities cooperating with companies can also take part in the programme. The total volume of the programme is €4 million.

GATE II supports projects in the following areas:

• Sustainable aircraft systems: Focus on innovations in energy and production systems, use of hydrogen, more sustainable processes and circular economy, as well as digital and automated development methods.
• Modular aircraft cabin: Development of efficient cabin systems, improved acoustics and new components made from lighter, sustainable materials.
• Maintenance and services: Digital platforms, MRO concepts for hydrogen systems, optimisation with SAF, qualification for AI work and new technologies for manufacturing and maintenance.
• Airport operations: Innovations for hydrogen and sustainable fuels, cross-sector sustainability research and energy supply.
• Research infrastructures: Further development and networking of hydrogen-related infrastructures, demonstrators for fuel cell systems and sustainable energy utilisation.

The programme is implemented by the Hamburg Investment and Development Bank (IFB) on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Innovation. GATE II builds on existing funding, which supported six Hamburg companies in its first stage in July 2022.

Information event

IFB Hamburg has planned an information event to support companies with questions and provide information on funding and conditions for participation.

When: Wednesday, 24 April 2024, 11:00 to 12:00 (CET)
Where: Online via MS Teams
Registration: HERE

Draft phase starts

Companies are invited to submit a two- to three-page project outline by 14 June 2024 to enable preliminary assessment of eligibility of ideas.

GATE II R&D proejcts are projected to start at the end of 2024. Applications for funding must be submitted by 30 September 2024.

Further information

All information on GATE II including conditions of participation, details on the funding guidelines and contact persons can be found on the IFB Hamburg website (German).