UK start-ups, small businesses and university spinouts developing zero-emission vehicle and connected and automated mobility technologies are being invited to apply for grants of up to £180,000 through a new round of the Mobilise business accelerator programme.
image: APC
Applications opened this month with the 12-month programme designed to help early-stage businesses move from technology development towards commercialisation, investment readiness and market entry.
Mobilise is delivered by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) and Zenzic, in partnership with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology, as part of the government's wider DRIVE35 and Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder programmes.
The programme is structured around two phases: Market Focus and Technology Validation. It combines grant funding with commercial mentoring, technical validation and access to industry networks.
Participating businesses will receive support with business models, commercial strategy, intellectual property, financial planning, product development, cost engineering and supply-chain development. They will also have opportunities to undertake concept validation and testing, alongside workshops and peer-to-peer learning.
The competition is aimed at UK-based micro, small and medium-sized businesses, including start-ups and spinouts developing technologies, products or services relevant to zero-emission vehicles or connected and automated mobility. Applicants are expected to demonstrate early feasibility and have an interest in developing a route to market.
The latest competition builds on previous accelerator programmes delivered by APC and Zenzic. The organisations report that more than 100 businesses have received support through their programmes, securing a combined £12.6 million in grant funding and subsequently raising more than £599 million in private investment.
Rik Adams, Innovation Delivery Director at APC, said the challenge for smaller businesses was turning technological innovation into commercially viable products and services while developing organisations capable of attracting investment.
He said the programme was intended to combine coaching, mentoring, grant funding and delivery support with access to industry networks.
Mobilise forms part of the £150 million CAM Pathfinder programme, which is intended to accelerate the development and commercial deployment of connected and automated mobility technologies in the UK. The wider programme supports projects across areas including autonomous vehicles, intelligent logistics and automated transport operations, with an emphasis on developing commercially viable applications and strengthening domestic supply chains.
The CAM Pathfinder programme runs to 2030 and forms part of the government's wider ambitions for the UK's advanced manufacturing and automotive sectors.
Applications for the latest Mobilise competition close at 11am on 11 January 2027. Grant awards are subject to government approval and applicable subsidy control requirements.
Further information and application guidance are available at Zenzic’s website