UKCAAR Feasibility Sprint
Funded by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and delivered by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, the UKCAAR Feasibility Sprint is a competitive funding opportunity designed to spark bold, collaborative research that supports the UK’s transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Purpose of the Fund
The UKCAAR Feasibility Sprint is designed to strengthen collaboration between UK academia and industry, helping to build long-term partnerships and accelerate the translation of world-leading research into future industrial and commercial opportunities for the UK mobility sector.
Key dates
- Fund Opens: 4 September 2026
- Application Deadline: 26 October 2026
- Project Start: 5 January 2027
- Project Completion: 30 June 2027
- Notification of Success: 14 December 2026
Scope and themes
Projects must align with one or more DRIVE35/CAM Pathfinder technology themes:
- Zero Emission Vehicle Technologies
Batteries, electric machines, power electronics, hydrogen systems, fuel cells, lightweight materials, and non-fossil fuel ICEs*.
*On-highway; zero harmful emissions, off-highway; enabling a transition towards net zero.
- Manufacturing Competitiveness
Digital transformation, decarbonisation, lean manufacturing, and supply chain development.
- Future Vehicle Innovation
Software-defined vehicles, E/E architectures, embedded software, control systems, and network communications.
- CAM Pathfinder
Enabling hardware and software, remote operation and oversight, commercial vehicle integration, real-world sector applications and safety/ regulatory alignment.
Funding available
- Total Fund: £330,000
- Funding available per project: £30,000-£90,000
- Funding Model: Direct-to-university consultancy agreement
- Match Funding: Funding paid to the academic institution must be matched by industrial partner(s) (in-kind contributions only – no direct cash required)
Anticipated project outcomes:
- Technical requirements assessment
- Risk identification
- Market assessment
- Financial projections
- Competitive analysis
- Investment/R&D decision-making evidence
Who can apply?
- Lead applicant: UK-registered academic institutions only
- Collaborators: Industry partners (UK or international)
- Project type: Academic–industry collaboration
- Location: All work must be carried out in the UK
What We’re Looking For
Feasibility studies that:
- Explore novel, high-impact ideas
- Demonstrate strong academic–industry collaboration
- Deliver a comprehensive technical and market feasibility report
- Include a public-facing summary of findings
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via this portal. You’ll need:
- A completed project plan and budget template
- Details of academic and industrial partners
- Responses to assessment questions
Click here to see more details and start your application!
Contact us
Get in touch with a member of the team.
General enquiries
[email protected]Media enquiries
[email protected]Career opportunities
[email protected]Advanced Propulsion Centre
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