SESAR Engage 2 KTN – first Call for Catalyst funding in the domain of air traffic management (ATM)
Programme Category
Programme Name
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
Catalyst funding in the domain of air traffic management (ATM), is intended to support focused projects. The focus is on maturing exploratory research further towards applications and operational contexts with a clear European dimension.
Detailed Call Description
These projects may address the corresponding thematic challenges mentioned below. Other “open” proposals, for projects moving solutions closer towards industry goals and objectives, and towards higher TRLs, will also be considered for catalyst funding, although some priority will be given to those aligned with thematic challenges, as set out below.
The challenges, selected by the Engage 2 Awards Board, have been clustered into four main challenges:
- Τhematic challenge 1: Climate impact analysis and mitigation for ATM-related non-CO2 emissions. It explores subjects related to environmentally sustainable flight paths and traffic management strategies.
- Τhematic challenge 2: Passenger-centric digital airport. The subject revolves around the data-centric airport, analyzing passenger dynamics and movements within airport premises, and the implementation of virtual queuing systems.
- Τhematic challenge 3: Disruptive ATM system modernisation. The theme involves a radical reconsideration of ATM architecture, with a deliberate avoidance of concerns related to evolution, change management, or transition.
- Τhematic challenge 4: Integration of new entrants. This subject encompasses airspace categorization, flight strategizing, conflict resolution, and considerations related to business models, incentives, and regulations.
The thematic challenge 1: Climate impact analysis and mitigation for ATM-related non-CO2 emissions, focus on:
- Contrails and other non CO2-emissions
- Observation, data collection, modelling
- Metrics and assessment methods harmonization
- Determining uncertainty for aviation non-CO2 impacts
- Incentives to greener ATM and model multimodal solution impacts
- Business Models/Policy/Regulation
The thematic challenge 2: Passenger-centric digital airport, focus on:
- Multimodality
- Smart DSTs based on data, digitalization and automation (air and landside)
- Virtual queueing to include operational considerations and business constraints
- Integration of strategic and tactical planning (airport but also ATM)
- Human-systems integration in the era of AI
The thematic challenge 3: Disruptive ATM system modernisation, focus on:
- “As a service” architecture
- Business Models/Policy/Regulation
- Quantum Computing as part of the digital ATM system
- Data sensitivity
- Human-systems integration in the era of AI
- (Cyber-)Security
The thematic challenge 4: Integration of new entrants, focus on:
- UFR mission description
- New aircraft types and propulsion systems
- Intermodal modes of transportation (for passengers as well as for cargo)
- Business Models/Policy/Regulation
- Integration of vertiports or other means of passenger/cargo loading places in the overall traffic system
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
The maximum award from Engage 2 per funded catalyst project is €60.000; additional co-funding from another source is permitted. No entity can receive more than €60.000 in total from Engage 2, from the first or second waves of this Call and including any other Engage 2 funding (this includes PhD funding through the earlier Engage 2 PhD Call). Entities submitting more than one proposal should be mindful of this constraint.
For example, a third party awarded €45.000 funding to support a PhD candidate in the earlier Engage 2 Call for PhDs, would only be able to receive a maximum of €15.000 from either Call for catalyst funding. Note that the second Call for catalyst funding is planned to open in 2025.
Thematic Categories
- Environment and Climate Change
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
- Transport
Eligibility for Participation
- Large Enterprises
- Legal Entities
- Other Beneficiaries
- Private Bodies
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
- State-owned Enterprises
Eligibility For Participation Notes
The general admissibility and eligibility conditions are described in Annex A, Annex B, and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposals may be submitted by a single entity or by a consortium of between 2 and 4 entities. Each entity should be located in a country eligible to receive funding through Horizon Europe grants however there is no requirement for consortia to include entities from a minimum number of countries.