The GATE II funding program supports projects in the areas of sustainable aircraft systems, cabin innovations, MRO processes, airport operations, and hydrogen infrastructure. Funding is provided by IFB Hamburg with resources from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and in close cooperation with Hamburg Aviation.

Through the Green Aviation Technologies II (GATE II) funding program, Hamburg is supporting five projects at the intersection of research and industry to make aviation more climate-friendly and competitive. The Hamburg Investment and Development Bank (IFB Hamburg) is providing up to €3.9 million for research and development projects that drive the transition toward more sustainable aviation. The focus is on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) collaborating with universities and large companies – strengthening Hamburg as an aviation hub.

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Senator Dr. Melanie Leonhard, Hamburg’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Innovation: “With GATE II, we are deliberately leveraging the innovative power of small and medium-sized enterprises in Hamburg’s aviation sector. Our goal is to advance the ecological transformation of aviation not only technologically, but also economically and socially. The funded projects impressively demonstrate how sustainability, digitalization, and competitiveness can go hand in hand. Hamburg is taking responsibility – as an industrial location, a center of science, and a pioneer for climate-friendly mobility of the future.”

Five Projects, One Goal: Sustainability in Aviation
The range of funded projects spans from automated inspection systems to hydrogen infrastructure and circular cabin concepts. All projects share the goal of combining ecological innovation with economic competitiveness.

DrumView – Automated Cabin Inspection
This project develops an AI-based system for digital visual inspection of aircraft cabins. The aim is to make maintenance processes more efficient, precise, and sustainable.
Partners: ZAL GmbH, 3D.aero GmbH, TU Hamburg

HYDRO-Bunny – Autonomous Hydrogen Supply for Drones
A mobile system for the automated refueling of drones with liquid hydrogen aims to set new standards in unmanned aviation.
Partners: Teccon GmbH, mb+Partner, ZAL GmbH, TU Hamburg

OMCI – Additive Manufacturing for Large Cabin Components
This project explores how large-format cabin components can be produced and certified using 3D printing – a step toward lighter, recyclable components and thus lower energy consumption.
Partners: ZAL GmbH, Lufthansa Technik AG

LiveScan – AI Assistance Systems for Aircraft Maintenance
An interactive assistance system will analyze and support maintenance processes in real time – for greater safety, transparency, and efficiency.
Partners: Synergeticon GmbH, Lufthansa Technik AG, TU Hamburg

FAIRcabin – The Cabin of the Future
Building on the predecessor project FAIRcraft, a holistic sustainable cabin concept is being developed – with modular, circular components and a focus on ergonomics and crew needs.
Partners: CompriseTec GmbH, BFGF GmbH & Co. KG, jetlite GmbH, HAW Hamburg, Diehl Aviation, Safran Innovation, Climatex AG