For members of the Silverstone Technology Cluster, two significant funding opportunities are available to propel your automotive innovations toward a net-zero future. If you’re involved in the design, development, or manufacturing of cutting-edge automotive technology, these grants could be the catalyst for your next big leap.
APC26 grant: industrialising net-zero automotive technology
The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC26) grant is a unique opportunity for UK businesses to lead the development of cutting-edge net-zero automotive technologies. With up to £40 million in funding available, this initiative aims to accelerate the UK’s transition to zero-emission vehicles by supporting collaborative R&D projects.
Overview
This grant is designed to fund projects that bring innovative automotive technologies closer to market. By fostering collaboration among UK-registered businesses, this program supports the design, development and manufacture of advanced vehicle systems. Grants range from £2.5 million to £20 million, requiring at least 50% match funding from applicants.
Projects must contribute to the industrialisation of zero-emission vehicle technology, making this a prime opportunity for businesses to drive meaningful change in the automotive industry.
Focus areas for eligible projects
To qualify, your project must advance technologies in at least one of these key areas:
- Energy storage: Batteries, components, and integration systems
- Fuel cells: Systems and balance of plant
- Electric machines and driveline systems
- Power electronics for advanced vehicle systems
- Internal combustion engines (ICE):
- On-road applications using non-fossil fuels to achieve zero harmful emissions.
- Off-road applications transitioning to zero emissions
- Lightweight materials: Innovative methods and processes
- Hydrogen storage and management systems
Additionally, projects can focus on:
- Circular economy design: Recovery, reuse, and disassembly of materials
- Physical or digital innovations for zero-emission vehicles, including:
- Manufacture of vehicle systems and sub-systems
- Data analytics and redesign
- Test, validation, and verification
Key details
- Total funding available: Up to £40 million
- Grant range: £2.5 million to £20 million
- Match funding requirement: At least 50% of project costs
- Eligibility: UK-registered businesses leading collaborative R&D projects
- Application deadline: 14th March 2024
ARMD4 grant: advanced route to market demonstrator 4
If your business is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge zero-emission technologies, the Advanced Route to Market Demonstrator 4 (ARMD4) grant offers an incredible opportunity to bring your vision to life. This funding is designed to support businesses in transforming their innovative ideas into market-ready solutions, enabling you to enhance capabilities, showcase your advancements and seize new commercial opportunities in the journey toward a sustainable future.
Overview:
- Funding available: Up to £25 million in total, with individual grants between £500,000 and £1.5 million
- Objective: Develop product or process demonstrators to enhance capability and create commercial exploitation opportunities, focusing on future zero-emission technology
Focus areas for eligible projects:
- Product and process demonstrators: Projects should focus on creating demonstrators that enhance capabilities and showcase innovations in zero-emission technology.
- Future zero-emission technology: Emphasis is placed on technologies that contribute to a sustainable and net-zero future.
- Collaboration and capability building: The grant encourages collaborative projects to combine expertise, create synergies, and build new market opportunities.
- Commercial exploitation opportunities: Projects must demonstrate a clear path to commercialization, ensuring the innovation has practical applications and market readiness.
Key details:
- Eligibility: UK-registered businesses leading a collaborative project
- Project requirements:
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- Projects must be a minimum of 50% match funded
- 65% of the grant must be utilized before 31st March 2026
- Application deadline: 2nd April 2025
Why these grants matter
As the automotive industry toward a net-zero future, this funding opportunities ensures that UK innovators will lead the change. By tapping into APC grant funding, companies can:
Accelerate development: Bring innovative technologies to market faster.
Collaborate: Partner with industry leaders and other SMEs to enhance project outcomes.
Lead the transition: Position your business at the forefront of the UK’s move toward zero-emission vehicles.
Who should apply?
These funding opportunities are ideal for:
- Designers, developers, and manufacturers in the automotive sector
- UK-registered businesses with a clear vision for pre-production R&D projects
- Teams ready to collaborate
How to get started
- Assess your eligibility: Ensure your project aligns with the funding’s focus areas and criteria
- Build your team: Assemble a collaborative group of up to six partners
- Plan your application: Clearly outline how your project contributes to the net-zero automotive vision
- Act quickly: With high-value grants at stake, early preparation is key
Why partner with Kene?
Navigating the complexities of the grant application process can be challenging. We specalize in supporting SMEs in unlocking funding to turn their innovations into impactful solutions.
Here’s how we can help:
- Expert grant writing: We craft compelling, high-impact applications tailored to each funding opportunity
- Strategic support: Our team provides guidance to maximise your chances of success
- Proven expertise: We understand the funding landscape and how to position your business to succeed
Get in touch with today to discuss your project and how we can help secure this transformative funding for your business.
📧 Email Gabriele at gabriele@kene.partners
