The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) provides funding, support and insight in developing automotive technologies. It aims to support the UK’s transition towards net zero product manufacturing and supply chain in the UK automotive sector.

Through this competition, Innovate UK (IUK) is looking for collaborative, pre-production research and development (R&D) projects that:

  • Support the UK’s long-term capabilities through securing long term R&D investment.
  • Can be achieved through its associated supply chain in the design, build and manufacture of zero carbon tailpipe emission vehicles.

Projects must look to fulfil both these criteria, to ensure the UK meets the future demand of vehicle-makers.

Projects must demonstrate the development of on-vehicle technologies, (including material, product and manufacturing processes) for on or off-road vehicles.

In this competition APC is investing up to £25 million. A project’s total eligible costs must be between £5 million and £40 million and be a minimum of 50% match funded, with a suggested maximum number of six partners.

This competition is open to collaborations only. To lead a project, the organisation must be a UK registered business of any size. The consortium must include a vehicle manufacturer or tier 1 supplier and involve at least one SME if the lead is not one. To collaborate with the lead, the organisation must be a UK registered business of any size, academic institution, research organisation, research and technology organisation (RTO), charity, not-for-profit or public sector organisation.

The deadline for applications is 6 October 2021 (11:00 BST). Full details here.