The MOST Innovation Grant programme, organised according to the Spoke model, involved leading scientific and industrial organisations (49 entities in total) working towards objectives spanning decarbonisation, urban decongestion and accessibility, fostering more inclusive mobility, strengthening the security of the integrated ecosystem of networks, vehicles, infrastructures and services, and transforming the mobility sector by supporting the development of new skills, professional expertise and organisational models.

From technologies to use cases
Leonardo played an active role in the technological development of three Spokes, focusing on the decarbonisation of aircraft through electric and hybrid propulsion systems, the digitalisation of the supply chain, and the development of new materials as alternatives to traditional ones to reduce vehicle weight while ensuring high standards of safety and reliability, with particular attention to sustainability, recyclability and material recovery. Leonardo’s contribution spanned a broad range of technological and application areas.

Overall, these activities strengthened competitive and innovative research aimed at reducing air traffic and pollution, leveraging advances in artificial intelligence and communications to make the movement of people and goods safer and more efficient, while stimulating future industrial innovation in the sector.

The initiative pursued a dual objective. On the one hand, it sought to accelerate the transition towards low- and zero-emission transport systems by promoting technological solutions and innovative models capable of reducing the environmental impact of mobility, while supporting the evolution of the industrial system and encouraging more sustainable mobility behaviours. On the other hand, it aimed to enhance the safety of mobility systems through the adoption of advanced technologies, smart infrastructures and new operational standards, promoting solutions that improve the safety of people, vehicles and networks, while helping to reduce risks and increase the reliability of the transport system.

Research, development and experimental validation of new assembly technologies enabled Leonardo to further strengthen its position as a major player in advanced materials and technologies, marking an enabling step for the Urban Air Mobility sector and supporting the path towards future certification.

These activities delivered a focused contribution centred on enabling technologies and concrete use cases, with an impact across both industrial and security domains.

Value generated
The National Centre for Sustainable Mobility (MOST) is a strategic initiative funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) (Ministerial Decree No. 1033 of 17 June 2022, NRRP – Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.4 “National Centres” Call) and by the European Union through the NextGenerationEU fund.

Leonardo’s contribution to MOST has strengthened the company’s internal expertise in emerging technologies, supported the development of innovative solutions in strategic areas, and reinforced collaboration with universities and research centres. The project represents a concrete example of how cooperation between industry and research can generate high-impact innovation, with direct benefits for safety and the future industrialisation of low-TRL technologies.

Overall, the initiative involved 29 people across Leonardo sites in Turin, Varese, Rome, Grottaglie (Taranto) and Pomigliano (Naples). The total project budget amounted to €3,586,732.66, funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) at 50% of eligible costs for Industrial Research, Feasibility Studies and Research Infrastructure Investments, and at 25% for Experimental Development.