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UKCAAR Feasibility Sprint

UKCAAR Feasibility Sprint

Funds United Kingdom academic teams for feasibility studies advancing zero-emission automotive innovation.

Opens 2026Advanced Propulsion Centre UKUnited KingdomDeep-tech · core fit

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

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About

The UKCAAR Feasibility Sprint is a competitive grant programme funded by the UK Department for Business and Trade and administered by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK. It supports UK academic institutions conducting early-stage research that advances the country's transition to zero-emission vehicles. The 2025-26 cycle drew from a £330,000 total pool, with individual awards ranging from £30,000 to £90,000 per project.

Eligibility is restricted to UK-registered academic institutions as lead applicants, with UK or international industry partners permitted as collaborators. Solo academic applications were also eligible. All funded work must be conducted within the UK. Industrial partners must match the academic award value, though in-kind contributions satisfy this requirement; direct cash is not required. Funded research must address at least one of three DRIVE35 themes: zero-emission vehicle technologies such as batteries, fuel cells, and lightweight materials; manufacturing competitiveness including digital transformation and supply chain development; or future vehicle innovation covering software-defined vehicles and embedded systems. Applications opened 20 October 2025, with a deadline of 21 November 2025. Award notifications were due by 31 December 2025, and project activity ran from 1 January to 31 July 2026, with 60% of funding disbursed by 31 March 2026 and the remainder by project close.

This 2025-26 cycle is now closed. Teams preparing for the next cycle should align their research questions squarely with one or more DRIVE35 themes, identify an industry partner to fulfil the match requirement, and monitor the APC website for the next cycle's opening date. Proposals with clear industrial relevance and measurable technical outcomes against the DRIVE35 strategic roadmap are most competitive.

What this grant funds

Zero-emission vehicle technologies, manufacturing competitiveness, future vehicle innovation aligned with DRIVE35 themes.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.6 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.7 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.£330K
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Industries

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Eligibility criteria

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Timeline

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Last verified: 29 Jun 2026Source: www.apcuk.co.uk