National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP)
Shaping the future of UK aerospace
Since 2013, the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) has helped propel over 220 aerospace innovations, creating jobs and driving growth for UK small and medium sized businesses. Now complete, NATEP leaves a lasting legacy that continues to strengthen UK aerospace suppliers by enhancing their capabilities, enabling business growth and opening doors to new opportunities.

What was NATEP?
Now complete, the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) was a £20m programme devised by the Aerospace Growth Partnership to develop 80 aerospace technologies in the UK aerospace supply chain. It was aimed at small and medium sized suppliers to help them develop their own innovative technologies to enhance their capabilities and increase their ability to win new business with higher tier companies anywhere in the world.
Delivered on the ground by a consortium of ADS and the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC), this proven model grew from five pilot projects in 2013 to over 220 technologies when it ended in 2025.
Why was NATEP unique?
NATEP supported the engagement and proposal development phase of the projects, by providing technical and management mentoring throughout each project’s lifetime.
NATEP Technology Managers provided a ‘critical friend’ and regional Proposal Review Panels (PRPs) offered peer review and feedback, providing a fully supported and transformational process.
Phase 3 of the project delivered:
- 85 completed innovation projects
- Over £200 million expected return on investment within five years
- 192 jobs created, with 184 more forecast
- £6 returned for every £1 invested
Innovative small and medium sized companies new to government funding can be put off by its complexity. NATEP’s unique approach of mentoring has helped guide organisations through the process – from initial concept through the life of the project to maximise success.
The support provided by NATEP has produced many exciting and innovative products, materials and manufacturing processes that helped anchor manufacturing and high value jobs in the UK, improve productivity and competitiveness in the sector and create export opportunities.
Harriet Wollerton,
ADS & SCS Services Director
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The Aerospace Growth Partnership
The Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP) is a strategic partnership between the UK Government, industry, and other key stakeholders, established to secure the future of the UK aerospace industry in the face of an ever changing, and increasingly competitive global landscape. This partnership is intended as a vehicle to tackle barriers to growth, boost competitiveness and exports and grow the number of high value jobs in the UK.
To date, The AGP has helped generate R&D funding, driven innovation and best practice, and elevated relationships within the sector.