The former SCRATCH and AeroSME projects of the 6th Framework Programme have merged into AeroPortal project, which was launched in December 2007.
The objective of the project remained the same; free of charge help for SMEs working in the aeronautical industry to submit research project proposals to Calls for Proposals issued by the European Commission R&D Programme. The project finished in 2009.
The prime objective of AeroPortal was to support aeronautical SMEs in advancing their technology base and their competitiveness through participation in European RTD projects. This was done by creating a single point of reference for information, project opportunities, partner search and by providing a wide-ranging direct support in response to the aeronautical SMEs expressed needs for accessing European RTD funds. A pool of experts in European research and technology funding in aeronautics offered free-of- charge services to SMEs to encourage, facilitate and increase their participation in EU FP7 RTD projects in Aeronautics and Air Transport. The support was offered to SMEs both for the integration in Level 1 and 2 project proposals and for setting up their own project proposals. AeroPortal was providing: