Business Evaluation Review of Airbus Endeavr Wales

We are inviting bids for the evaluation of research and technology development activities conducted by Airbus Endeavr Wales (Endeavr). Airbus Endeavr Wales (Endeavr) is a unique research and innovation joint initiative between the Welsh Government, Airbus Defence and Space, and Cardiff University (representing the wider Welsh university sector).

Established in 2010, the programme funds and supports early-stage research to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and academic institutions in Wales turn innovative ideas into reality and achieve real commercial value. The initiative operates out of Airbus Defence and Space Ltd registered offices at the Quadrant in Celtic Springs, Newport.

The programme is jointly financed through matching contributions from Airbus Defence and Space Limited and the Welsh Government. There is no financial commitment, but based on a 2024 review and recommendations current proposal is that the programme should continue until 2029 to commission research and technology projects.

The initiative is designed as a 'challenge led, place-based' innovation model, enabling successful Welsh based industry partners and universities to work with Airbus on its research innovation proposals. Its primary goals include:

● Economic Acceleration: Boosting the Welsh economy by supporting high-skilled jobs and embedding Airbus global tech capabilities within the local ecosystem. ● Industrial Solutions: Helping Airbus Defence and Space solve complex technology roadmaps and industrial challenges.

● Funding Multiplier: In recent years, it has drawn an additional £1.6 million in funding from outside sources, outstripping the initial core investments made by its founding partners. The project focuses heavily on AI, digital, cyber and advanced engineering innovation research in support of Airbus’ research priorities.

Notable ongoing fields of research include: ● Cyber Security & Resilience: It has supported initiatives like the Cyber Innovation Hub for Wales and Cardiff University’s Airbus Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Analytics.

● This includes funding tech startups like to Nisien to detect generative AI misinformation online **Request for Proposal** The objective is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the activities of Airbus Endeavr Wales, covering the period following the previous review completed in December 2024.

In accordance with the Business Plan, the primary strategic objectives are to: ● Identify and evaluate emerging technologies through world-class research to support the sustainable development of Airbus Defence and Space;

● Cultivate and strengthen regional industrial and academic capabilities of strategic importance; ● Facilitate the cross-sector exploitation of developed technologies to drive economic growth within the participating regions; and ● Execute these objectives with maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.