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Funding opportunities and how to get involved

Opportunity Auto is SMMT’s campaign to promote the UK as one of the world’s most compelling destinations for automotive investment. Find out the funding opportunities available to manufacturers looking to invest in the UK.

Download Opportunity Auto

Major national funding programmes

DRIVE35 programme (£4bn)

DRIVE35 is the UK Government’s flagship, long‑term investment programme for the automotive sector, supporting the transition to zero‑emission vehicle manufacturing and advanced supply‑chain capability.

It supports companies at every stage of growth, from R&D through to large‑scale manufacturing, across three pillars:

  • Innovation
  • Scale‑up
  • Transformation

How to get involved:

Funding competitions open throughout the year. Businesses should monitor Innovate UK and APC competition rounds and prepare consortia where required.

Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder (£150m)

The CAM Pathfinder Programme supports the development and deployment of connected and automated mobility technologies across the UK.

Funding supports:

  • Feasibility and concept studies
  • Pilot projects and real‑world trials
  • Technology demonstrators

The programme complements the Automated Vehicles Act (2024), providing a clear regulatory pathway for deployment.

How to get involved:

Competitions are delivered by Innovate UK, Zenzic, APC and DBT. Projects often require collaboration between industry, technology providers and research organisations.

Battery and electrification support

Battery Innovation Programme (£452m)

Launching from April 2026, the Battery Innovation Programme supports the full battery value chain, from research through to manufacturing scale‑up.

Support includes:

  • Fundamental research via the Faraday Institution
  • Collaborative R&D competitions
  • Industrialisation, manufacturing trials and skills development via UKBIC

How to get involved:

Opportunities will be published via Innovate UK and UKRI. Businesses can engage at research, development, industrialisation or skills stages.

Support for SMEs and scaling businesses

R&D tax relief

UK‑based automotive SMEs undertaking qualifying R&D activities can benefit from R&D tax relief, reducing the cost of innovation across engineering, software, manufacturing processes and product development.

How to get involved:

Claims are made through HMRC, either directly or with specialist support, and can be combined with grant funding.

Made Smarter (England)

Made Smarter Adoption helps manufacturing and automotive SMEs adopt digital technology to boost productivity and competitiveness.

Support includes:

  • Match‑funded grants
  • Technology and process advice
  • Leadership and workforce development support

How to get involved:

Eligible businesses (SMEs with manufacturing sites in England) can register directly via Made Smarter and engage with regional delivery partners.

Finance, export and investment support

Alongside grants, the UK provides access to government‑backed finance and investment support through:

These routes are particularly relevant for companies seeking to commercialise, export or expand production capacity.

How to get involved:

Businesses can engage directly or be referred via government and industry partners.

Wider business support and investment routes

These routes are especially relevant for international investors or major UK expansion projects.

Regional and devolved administration support

Additional funding and support is available through:

  • Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, via devolved governments
  • Combined Authorities and regional growth bodies, particularly in the West Midlands and North East of England

These programmes often align closely with national funding and can provide tailored, location‑specific support.

How to get involved:

Businesses should engage with regional development agencies or local authorities alongside national programmes.

How SMMT can help

SMMT works closely with government, delivery bodies and industry to help companies:

  • Understand which funding routes are most relevant
  • Navigate eligibility and application processes
  • Make the right connections with partners, investors and policymakers

For companies considering investment or expansion in the UK automotive sector, SMMT can act as a gateway into the ecosystem.

Find out more about how SMMT can support your business:

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SMMT’s comprehensive membership base covers every aspect of the automotive industry, from vehicles to components, trailers to aftermarket; and from large global corporations to small and medium enterprises. The scope of interest of our members also varies dramatically, ranging from direct, partial or indirect involvement in the manufacturing of vehicles and components, to design engineering and distribution, and a variety of other services aligned to the industry.

Get in touch to find out how to join SMMT.

If you are already a part of an organisation that has an SMMT membership, click here to register your account.

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