Government funding of up to £10 million is being made available to support the development of innovative technologies that have the potential to transform the automotive industry.
Funding will be allocated through an open competition run by the Technology Strategy Board (www.innovateuk.org). The Board is seeking proposals for concept projects that are highly innovative and vehicle-centric. The aim is to target disruptive technology and research that challenges current conventions. Support will be given to projects that explore new boundaries or adapt existing novel technologies for deployment into new fields.
The projects must be collaborative and business-led. Companies working outside the automotive sector but can bring technical expertise and knowledge to a consortium are particularly welcome. Projects, which are expected to last between 12 and 24 months, are likely to attract grants of between £250,000 and £750,000, with the majority attracting up to 50% public funding.
The competition opens on 14 January 2013 and the deadline for registration is 13 February 2013, expressions of interest must be submitted by this date. Applicants will then be invited to submit a full application. A networking event will be held to facilitate consortia-building on 27 November 2012 at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon.
For further information about the competition, visit the innovateuk.org website.