The winners of the zero aviation fund include Cranfield University, which will investigate the feasibility of wireless battery charging technologies in airports.
ZeroAvia Ltd will use the funding to conduct research into the challenges facing the design of a liquid hydrogen mobile refuelling unit and Ultima Forma Ltd will look to create a twin-walled hydrogen fuelling hose.
The University of Warwick aims to investigate safety standards around liquid hydrogen applications.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said it is "essential" to invest in green aviation as the world reopens from the pandemic.
"Funding these revolutionary projects will help to slash carbon, create jobs and get us closer to our goal of operating zero-emission flights," he added.
Earlier this year, the government set out its ambition to become "world leaders" in sustainable aviation fuel production, launching the £15 million Green Fuel, Green Skies competition and publishing a consultation proposing to mandate SAF use in the UK from 2025.
