Applications are now open for Round 2 of the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships Program, closing 27 July 2023.
Up to $2M is available for projects which will be completed by 30 June 2025. Co-funding is required.
The EATP Program aims to encourage adoption of emerging aviation technologies (such as drones, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and renewable or low emission aviation propulsion systems) to address community needs, particularly in regional Australia.
Round 2 Focus Areas
- Growing manufacturing in an emerging aviation technology – develop an operational prototype for, or develop technology that will support the deployment/operation of, a renewable or low emission aviation propulsion system (for example electric or hydrogen) or any component of an emerging aviation technology airframe. Proposals may include scope for negotiating and implementing an operational test flight.
- Digital farming – establish a trial using an emerging aviation technology with a renewable or low emission energy source, to demonstrate economic, productivity, environmental or other
benefits for agricultural businesses in Australia. - Regional connectivity and supply chains – establish a trial using an emerging aviation technology with a renewable or low emission energy source and capability to travel medium to
long distances to transport passengers or deliver critical and /or high turnover supplies from and between regional hubs. - Improving outcomes for regional and remote Indigenous communities – establish a trial of a regular service from and/or between regional hubs that service a remote Indigenous community using emerging aviation technology with a renewable or low emission energy source, to travel medium to long distances to deliver medical and other essential supplies; and/or establish a trial using emerging aviation technology with a renewable or low emission energy source, within a regional or remote Indigenous community to address particular needs and facilitate wellbeing – eg delivery of supplies to remote locations.
- Addressing regulatory barriers – conduct research or develop a process/product to assist with regulatory processes that enable implementation of emerging aviation technology in any of
the other focus areas.
Unless otherwise agreed by the Department, your proposed grant activity should be able to demonstrate a benefit to and be located in regional Australia.
Eligible activities can include (but are not limited to):
- conducting trials that undertake rigorous, commercial, and replicable testing of emerging aviation technologies with renewable or low emission energy sources;
- conducting R&D to support your proposal;
- communication and information sharing activities;
- demonstrating the technical viability of your proposal;
- technological development;
- demonstrating the uniqueness of your proposal compared to existing offerings in the market;
- demonstrating the commercial/scalability potential of your proposal in domestic and/or international markets;
- assisting the Government and other partners to address policy, regulatory or other issues related to your proposal.
Supporting document
Program Guidelines – Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships Program – Round Two Grant Opportunity
