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

The opening date for the next round of applications will be announced soon.

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: TBC
  • APC funding provided per project: £30,000–£90,000
  • 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: Single applicant or academic–industry collaboration
  • Location: All work must be carried out in the UK

Additional notes

Consequently, applications that involve entities with significant overseas control will be examined very carefully.

Applications must be submitted via the APC 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

IIPSI Building

University Road

Coventry

CV4 7AL