EUR 194 million made available in first Digital European Sky calls

The SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking (SESAR 3 JU) has published two open calls addressing exploratory research, industrial projects, and activities to fast track innovative solutions within the framework of its Digital European Sky research and innovation programme. The calls, the first to be issued by the SESAR 3 JU since its establishment, cover a wide range of topics aimed at making air traffic management in Europe smarter and more sustainable. A total of EUR 194.75 million is earmarked for the research from the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.

The selected call topics are part of the research and innovation priorities outlined in the SESAR 3 JU’s multi-annual work programme and in the more recently published bi-annual work programme. They cover a wide range of areas that are needed in order to deliver the Digital European Sky, according to the timeframe of the European ATM Master Plan.

The exploratory research call (HORIZON-SESAR-2022-DES-ER-01) aims at fostering new and innovative ideas to transform air traffic management in Europe, as well as encouraging coordinated exchange of knowledge and stimulating the future ATM skilled workforce. It is composed of three work areas, namely “fundamental science and outreach”, “application-oriented research” and “knowledge transfer network”.

The industrial research call (HORIZON-SESAR-2022-DES-IR-01) is composed of six work areas, addressing ATM Master planning and performance management, emissions reduction, automation, domain airspace management, artificial intelligence, among others. Novel activities are also sought to fast-track innovation and uptake of solutions addressing U-space (integration of drones, urban air mobility, multimodality and the aviation green deal).

An online information day will take place on 22 April to present the calls in more detail and provide hints and tips on how to apply. Download the agenda.

The deadline for submitting proposals is 13 October 2022.

For more information about the calls and topic conditions, visit:

Exploratory research call (HORIZON-SESAR-2022-DES-ER-01)

Industrial research call (HORIZON-SESAR-2022-DES-IR-01)

Register here for the open day: https://sesarju.eu/news/eur-194-million-made-available-first-digital-european-sky-calls