Join us for the virtual launch of AVIATE+ which will support innovative small companies in the AvTech sector to scale and thrive.

Cranfield University has been designated as a University Enterprise Zone (UEZ) by Research England and awarded £1.2 million, enabling the development of the new AVIATE+ facility to support the growth of an AvTech-focused business cluster. The clustering of innovative companies, along with the advantages and benefits of co-location with the University, will create a dynamic environment for AvTech companies to scale and thrive.

Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university, situated in the heart of the Oxford-Cambridge-Milton Keynes Arc and within the SEMLEP region. The region is at the forefront of the future of flight aerospace sector deal, which aims to make the UK a leader of hybrid-electric and electric propulsion and exploit related new markets such as drones and urban air mobility vehicles.

The University is renowned for its world-class research and facilities. It is the number one university in Europe for aerospace with its own global research airport on site. It has unrivalled links with industry and long-term partnerships with leaders in the sector including Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing and Rolls-Royce.

AVIATE+ will operate alongside Cranfield’s established Eagle Lab which was set up in partnership with Barclays to incubate early-stage companies in the AvTech sector. AVIATE+ will support companies as they move further along their growth journey and will provide private workshop space, a fully equipped makerspace, co-working-desks, tailored business advice, introductions to investors and help to access the University’s cutting-edge expertise and graduate talent.

With technology developing at pace, Cranfield University is in an ideal position to accelerate innovation in aviation. AVIATE+ will offer a number of membership options to support small firms who have high-growth potential in this sector and bring to fruition the technology of tomorrow