The Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) has launched an exciting opportunity for UK-based organisations to shape the future of Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM). The CCAV Pathfinder 1 Feasibility Studies competition is now open, offering up to £2 million in funding for innovative projects targeting early commercial CAM opportunities.

This initiative is a pivotal step toward advancing the UK’s CAM supply chain and filling critical technology gaps to accelerate the deployment of autonomous solutions. With a focus on feasibility studies, this competition provides a unique chance for businesses in the Silverstone Technology Cluster (STC) to contribute to cutting-edge mobility innovations.

What is the CCAV Pathfinder 1 Competition?

The CCAV Pathfinder 1 competition supports feasibility studies that explore solutions to challenges in the CAM ecosystem. Projects must align with one of the following themes:

1. Technical Concepts:
   Develop NUIC (No User in Charge) ready platforms, integrating advanced components and systems to automate vehicle functions.
2. Overcoming Barriers:
   Identify and address key obstacles to CAM adoption, including safety, data management, and infrastructure requirements. Outputs will provide detailed pathways to adoption for the industry.
3. CAM Services:
   Create an outline business case for CAM services operating without safety drivers in a specific UK location. This includes evaluating viability, technical requirements, and market potential.

Key Details

• Funding Available: £50,000 to £250,000 per project
• Project Duration: 3-11 months
• Deadline: 15th January 2025, 11:00 am
• Eligibility: Open to UK-registered businesses, public sector organisations, and research and technology organisations (RTOs). Collaboration is encouraged, with up to four funded partners per project.

Why This Matters for STC Members

Silverstone Technology Cluster members, with their expertise in advanced engineering, electronics, and software, are well-positioned to lead or collaborate on CAM projects. This competition offers an opportunity to showcase your technical capabilities and contribute to a transformative sector that aligns with the UK’s goals for innovation and sustainability.

Moreover, the Silverstone area’s reputation as a hub for high-performance technology and engineering excellence provides an ideal backdrop for developing CAM technologies. From designing advanced vehicle systems to overcoming barriers like safety verification or infrastructure challenges, STC businesses can play a critical role in shaping the future of autonomous mobility.

How to Get Involved

If your organisation is exploring innovative CAM solutions, now is the time to act. Begin by:

• Reviewing competition details and eligibility criteria on the CCAV competition page.
• Defining your project’s feasibility focus within the three themes.
• Engaging with partners across the CAM ecosystem to build a strong collaborative proposal.

For those considering an application, early preparation is key to navigating the competition’s requirements and crafting a compelling proposal.

Need support with your application?

Kene Partners provides expert grant writing and support services to businesses seeking to secure funding for innovative projects. With a proven track record of success, they offer end-to-end support, including eligibility assessments, application development, and submission management.

For competitions like CCAV Pathfinder 1, Kene Partners can assist businesses in defining strong project concepts, building compelling business cases, and ensuring proposals meet all requirements. Their expertise helps businesses focus on innovation while maximising their chances of funding success. For more information, visit their website kene.partners or get in touch with claire@kene.partners