Deadline: 19-May-2026
The European Commission is inviting applications to support research and innovation for the development of high-performance superconducting motor windings for future fully electric hydrogen fuel cell powered aircraft. The project aims to design and demonstrate superconducting AC motor windings for a 2MW-class motor, including cryogenic cooling systems, with a target of TRL5. The topic has an indicative budget of EUR 5 million, with up to one project expected to be funded.
About the Opportunity
This funding opportunity supports the development of superconducting motor windings for next-generation hydrogen-powered electric aircraft.
The project focuses on creating a high-performance superconducting alternating current motor design suitable for multi-megawatt aviation applications, especially around the 2MW class.
The initiative also includes associated:
- Electrical architectures
- Cryogenic cooling architectures
- Manufacturing methods
- Reliability and certification planning
Funding Information
- Total indicative budget: EUR 5 million
- EU contribution per project: up to EUR 5 million
- Projects expected to be funded: 1
Project Duration
- Maximum duration: 24 months
Action Type
- Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)
Key Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Develop a high-performance superconducting AC motor design
- Support multi-megawatt hydrogen-powered aircraft
- Demonstrate integrated and efficient motor windings at TRL5
- Validate reliability through experimental testing
- Align development with aerospace specifications
- Address certification and environmental conditions
- Deliver a roadmap toward TRL6
- Include safety and certification considerations for future aircraft integration
Technical Focus
Projects are expected to address:
- Superconducting AC motor windings for a 2MW-class motor
- Optimised winding geometries for efficiency and robustness
- Electrical integration
- Cryogenic cooling system integration
- Reliable and scalable manufacturing methods
- Experimental validation under relevant aerospace conditions
Who Can Coordinate?
Eligibility to coordinate the project is limited to:
- Universities
- Research and technology organisations (RTOs)
- SMEs
Consortium Expectations
Consortia should demonstrate:
- Strong expertise in aeronautics
- Proven innovation capability
- Capacity to deliver advanced electric propulsion technologies
They are also encouraged to include:
- Start-ups
- Research centres
- Other partners bringing new or disruptive capabilities
Best-Suited Applicants
This topic is especially suitable for:
- Aerospace engineering universities
- Aviation R&D consortia
- Electric propulsion technology SMEs
- Cryogenic systems innovators
- Superconducting materials researchers
- Hydrogen aviation technology developers
- Research centres working on aircraft electrification
Tips for Applicants
To strengthen your proposal:
- Clearly show how the design supports a 2MW-class motor
- Demonstrate a realistic pathway to TRL5 validation
- Address reliability and aerospace testing conditions
- Include a clear TRL6 roadmap
- Explain certification and safety considerations
- Highlight expertise in:
- Superconducting systems
- Electric propulsion
- Cryogenics
- Aircraft integration
FAQs
1. Who is offering this funding?
The funding is offered by the European Commission.
2. What is the project about?
It supports the development of high-performance superconducting motor windings for fully electric hydrogen fuel cell powered aircraft.
3. How much funding is available?
The topic has an indicative budget of EUR 5 million, with up to EUR 5 million available for one project.
4. What technology readiness level is expected?
Projects should demonstrate the technology at TRL5 and provide a roadmap toward TRL6.
5. Who can coordinate the project?
Only universities, research and technology organisations, and SMEs are eligible to act as coordinators.
6. What is the project duration?
The maximum duration is 24 months.
Conclusion
This European Commission topic is a strong opportunity for consortia working at the intersection of electric aviation, hydrogen propulsion, superconducting systems, and cryogenic engineering.
With EUR 5 million available for a single project, it is particularly relevant for applicants capable of delivering TRL5 validation and a credible pathway toward future aircraft integration.
For more information, visit European Commission.