DRIVE35 innovation fund: collaborate three
DRIVE35 innovation fund: collaborate three supports automotive consortia with late-stage collaborative R&D to commercialise zero-emission vehicle technologies and advance a net zero UK automotive industry.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: October 22, 2026 (Economic feedback response) | October 30, 2026 (Consolidated feedback response) | November 2, 2026 (Interview materials)
Funding Amounts: £2.5 million–£20 million per project over 18–36 months; up to £20 million total fund
Summary: Supports late-stage collaborative automotive R&D targeting commercialisation of zero-emission vehicle technologies and a net zero UK automotive industry.
Key Information: Consortia need a UK business lead, a vehicle manufacturer or Tier 1 supplier, and a grant-claiming UK SME.
Description
DRIVE35 Innovation Fund: Collaborate 3 supports late-stage collaborative research and development that designs, develops and enables manufacture of strategically important automotive technologies. Innovate UK delivers the competition with the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), with funding from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Projects must target commercialisation after completion and support the UK’s transition to zero-emission vehicles and a net zero automotive industry.
Proposals must strengthen the UK automotive supply chain’s capability, productivity, competitiveness and security, while enabling future vehicle manufacture and high-value production for domestic or export markets. The programme also seeks lasting UK economic benefits through jobs and long-term R&D investment. Projects must align with UK strategic priorities, including the Industrial Strategy and Automotive Council roadmaps, and deliver on-vehicle technologies or manufacturing capabilities supporting zero-emission vehicles.
