The aeronautics university leadership initiative (ULI) cooperative agreement program goals are to fund multi-university and industry projects teams that expand our nation's aeronautics research…

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center awarded a $1.48 million cooperative agreement to Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech) on August 10, 2026, under the Aeronautics program (CFDA 43.002). The award funds the Aeronautics University Leadership Initiative (ULI) Cooperative Agreement Program, which supports multi-university and industry project teams to expand the nation's aeronautics research ecosystem through highly innovative and transformative research.

Virginia Tech serves as the prime recipient for work performed in Blacksburg, Virginia, with a period of performance through August 9, 2029. The specific products, services, or activities to be delivered under this funding are not detailed in the award documentation.

The Aeronautics program supports research across four major initiatives: the Advanced Air Vehicles Program, which develops innovative concepts and technologies for safer, faster, cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficient aircraft; the Airspace Operations and Safety Program, which advances algorithms and technologies to increase National Airspace System throughput and safety; the Integrated Aviation Systems Program, which matures aeronautic technologies for future air vehicles and operational systems; and the Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program, which cultivates multi-disciplinary revolutionary concepts and engages both traditional and non-traditional aeronautics partners.

The aeronautics university leadership initiative (ULI) cooperative agreement program goals are to fund multi-university and industry projects teams that expand our nation's aeronautics research ecosystem and propose highly innovative and transformati