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DRIVE35 innovation fund

DRIVE35 innovation fund: collaborate three

Collaborative R&D for zero emission vehicle technologies and manufacturing.

OpenInnovate UKUnited Kingdom

This competition supports late stage collaborative research and development projects. Projects design, develop and enable manufacture of technologies which target post project commercialisation.

Projects must support the UK’s transition to zero emission vehicles and a pathway to a net zero automotive industry. They must focus on one or more of three themes: zero emission vehicle technologies, man…

Projects must be late stage R&D targeting direct commercialisation at the end of the project and be in line with at least one of three scope themes: promote zero emission vehicle technologies; enhance manufacturing competitiveness; or future vehicle innovation - Software Defined Vehicles (SDV) and Electrical/Electronic (E/E) architectures. Projects will not fund automated driving systems, projects only focused on clean fuels, or solutions such as e-Scooters or e-Bikes, although two wheel is in scope.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.16 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.18–36 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.50%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.£20M

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Last verified: 27 Aug 2026Funder reference: ukri-post-195628Source: www.ukri.org