Innovate UK (IUK) has launched two competitions under the DRIVE35 Innovation Fund, part of the UK Government’s DRIVE35 programme aimed at accelerating the transition to zero emission vehicles and a net zero automotive industry.

The funds support research and development projects that strengthen the UK automotive supply chain through increased capability, productivity and competitiveness. Projects must contribute to the design, development or manufacture of technologies supporting zero emission vehicles and show potential for commercialisation and long-term economic benefit.

Up to £40 million is available across two competition strands. The Demonstrate strand offers between £500,000 and £1.5 million for projects led by a UK registered business, either individually or in collaboration with others, including academic institutions and research and technology organisations (RTOs).

The Collaborate strand, supporting only collaborative proposals, offers between £2.5 million and £25 million. These must involve a UK registered lead business, at least one Tier 1 vehicle supplier or manufacturer and one SME claiming grant support. Collaborators may include businesses, academic institutions, charities, public sector organisations or RTOs.

Funding will support industrial research and experimental development under three themes: zero emission vehicle technologies, manufacturing competitiveness, and future vehicle innovations such as software-defined vehicles and electronic architectures.

All project work must be carried out in the UK, with the results intended for UK exploitation.