ATI Boeing Accelerator calls for second cohort of start-ups

The ATI Boeing Accelerator programme has opened applications for its second cohort, targeted to invest in sustainability and enabling start-ups that will benefit the UK aerospace industry.

The programme is looking at three key areas: Industry 4.0, Lifecycle and Resilience, and Energy. Launched last year, the accelerator was created in partnership by the Aerospace Technology Institute and Boeing, and is delivered by European accelerator Ignite. GKN Aerospace is a corporate sponsor and more partners will be announced in the upcoming months.

The first cohort has already raised £6 million in funding, created 30 new jobs, and engaged further organisations outside of the programme partners, including Frazer-Nash, Chevron Technology Ventures and Rolls-Royce.

Among the inaugural programme successes are Circulor, a start-up that helps businesses demonstrate responsible sourcing through supply chain traceability, Filament (formerly Anomalous), whose AI-based software detects and repairs defects in aircraft parts, Intellegens, an artificial intelligence company with a unique deep-learning algorithm, that received Innovate UK funding to model COVID-19 data from around the world and improve the management of future outbreaks.

The call for applications welcomes companies from around the world and eligible seed and Series A start-ups have until 27th September to apply. The three-month programme will begin in January 2021.

Gabi Matic, programme director at ATI Boeing Accelerator, commented: “Aerospace looks very different as we head into the second year of our programme. COVID-19 has had a big impact on the state of air travel, and we have seen unprecedented change. This provides an opportunity for start-ups developing technology that can make a huge difference to aerospace businesses and related industries, and gives them a chance to really grab the attention of sectors looking to innovate.”

Successful start-ups will benefit from:

• Possible £100,000 equity investment from Boeing HorizonX Global Ventures


• First-hand access to ATI, Boeing, and GKN Aerospace strategists and technical experts


• Mentoring from a global network of experienced entrepreneurs, mentors and investors


• Access and introductions to our network of angel investors, venture capital firms and the wider aerospace industry throughout the programme and during ecosystem events

Once applications close, start-ups that pass the selection criteria will be invited to an interview. Companies selected by the programme’s partners will then be invited to a selection event. Successful applicants will be notified and offered programme places shortly after that. It is expected that eight to ten companies will be invited to join Cohort Two.

www.atiboeingaccelerator.com