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About Endeavr
Airbus Endeavr Wales is a place-based innovation programme that uses Airbus Defence and Space's real technology challenges to drive R&T collaboration and economic growth specifically in Wales.
By running competitive "challenge" calls and co-funding projects with Welsh universities and SMEs, Endeavr accelerates early-stage research through to proof-of-concept — delivering solutions for Airbus while creating skilled jobs and attracting additional investment into Welsh R&T.
See how it worksThe Process
A structured, transparent process designed to get the right ideas funded quickly.
See challenge outcomesAirbus and Welsh Government identify key technology focus areas aligned to Airbus' innovation roadmap and Welsh economic objectives.
A public challenge call is launched — usually annually — outlining problem statements, funding envelopes, and eligibility criteria for Welsh organisations.
Shortlisted teams are invited to pitch directly to an Airbus panel. This ensures ideas are evaluated against real commercial need, not just academic merit.
Selected projects are contracted and typically kick off within a few months, running from early-stage research through to prototype or MVP.
Technology Focus Areas
Projects span Airbus Defence and Space's most pressing technology needs — from aerospace materials to next-generation communications.
Intelligent systems for aerospace operations, data analytics, AI-generated content detection, and autonomous decision-making.
Protecting critical defence and space infrastructure, secure communications, and resilient software systems for high-assurance environments.
Novel materials, manufacturing processes, structural monitoring, and the engineering breakthroughs that define next-generation aerospace platforms.
Satellite, RF, and ground-segment communications technologies supporting secure and resilient connectivity for defence and space applications.
Reducing aerospace's environmental footprint — including PFAS detection and replacement in aircraft materials, clean propulsion, and lifecycle analysis.
Miniaturised sensing and processing, space-grade electronics, edge computing, and data management for demanding operational environments.
Eligibility
Projects must have a clear Welsh connection and address a defined Airbus technology challenge.
All Welsh universities and affiliated research centres are eligible to lead or partner on Endeavr projects, bringing academic expertise to solve real Airbus challenges.
Welsh or Wales-based businesses — from early-stage startups to established SMEs — can lead projects or collaborate with academic partners to tackle Airbus challenges.
Partnerships combining academic expertise with commercial ambition are particularly encouraged — combining Welsh research strengths with business-driven delivery.
Case Studies
See how Endeavr-funded projects are tackling real Airbus challenges and delivering impact for Welsh organisations.
Endeavr funding helped AVoptics develop ruggedised fibre-optic and free-space-optical communication technology for aerospace and defence platforms.
Wrexham University's Glyndŵr Innovations is developing flight-ready hyperspectral imaging technology with Airbus for environmental and Earth observation applications.
Swansea University tested perovskite solar cells under stratospheric conditions to power Airbus' High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites.
"As a founding member of the Airbus Endeavr Wales programme, we are proud to have supported this initiative for the past 15 years — it is a powerful model for place-based innovation that truly benefits Wales."
Latest News
Airbus Endeavr Wales is proud to announce its support for an innovative project led by the University of South Wales (USW) and Bangor University, aimed at detecting harmful pollutants in the aircraft industry.
A unique partnership helping grow the Welsh economy by turning innovative ideas into reality using world class research continues to go from strength to strength.
Whether you're a Welsh university, SME, or startup with an idea that could solve an Airbus technology challenge — we want to hear from you.
