DRIVE35 Demonstrate

DRIVE35 Demonstrate sits under Advanced Propulsion Centre UK's DRIVE35 innovation pillar and backs UK companies that need to turn an R&D programme into a working product or process demonstrator. It is part of APC's net-zero automotive mission, with the centre working alongside UK government and industry to accelerate low-carbon vehicle development. The competition offers grant awards of £500,000 to £1.5 million per project at 50% match funding. Projects run for 9 to 12 months and are expected to finish at TRL 5 to 6 or MRL 4 to 5. The call is open to UK-based businesses and runs twice a year, with the eligible themes centred on zero-emission vehicle innovation, manufacturing competitiveness, and software-defined vehicles or electronic and electrical architectures. This is a fit for teams that already have a technical direction and need a demonstrator to prove the next commercial step, not a long exploratory programme. APC's format rewards a clear delivery plan, a concise industrial case, and evidence that the project can be completed inside a short window. Because the timetable is subject to government approval, applicants need to watch the call dates closely and be ready for the interview stage when it opens.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.