Advanced Propulsion Centre UK: Mobilise 2025

Mobilise is a structured early-stage accelerator programme that supports ambitious micro, small and medium-size enterprises, start-ups or university spinouts, that are developing innovative automotive-related early-stage, zero-emission or Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) technologies, products, services or solutions to accelerate the transition to a safer, smarter, more sustainable future.

Offering a unique blend of grant funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities within the mobility sector, Mobilise helps companies to create robust strategies and business models to accelerate route to market. Mobilise builds on the award-winning features of the Technology Developer Accelerator Programme (TDAP) but is further enhanced by technical validation opportunities through Zenzic’s CAM Scale-Up UK initiative, leveraging their extensive network of world-leading Testbed facilities. To find out more download the programme brochure.

Open for applications

We ask all applicants to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) prior to submitting a full application to ensure that the business falls within the programme scope.

Applicants will be asked a few short questions about their business and innovation. EOIs will be reviewed by the team and those that fall within scope will be invited to submit a full application.

Helping businesses be investment and market-ready

This 18 month programme helps companies develop a robust strategy and business model to identify commercial pathways to market and accelerate progress through a combination of grant funding, business mentoring and industry networking opportunities.

What can you expect?

• Up to £180,000 grant funding split across two phases with opportunity to apply for a further booster fund of £75,000. Any award is subject to Ministerial and His Majesty’s Treasury approval.

• Business strategy guidance and technology development delivered over two phases: Market Focus and Technology Validation
• Six focus areas supported and delivered by a series of flexible workstream activities and workshops including:
• Commercialisation strategy and financial planning
• Intellectual property management
• Investor–readiness
• New product development
• Leadership and new venture growth
• Corporate and alumni networks  
• Opportunity to validate technology through a bespoke, concept validation project, including access to world-leading CAM Testbed UK facilities
• Business and investor mentoring from independent experts
• Automotive industry networking 
• Peer-to-peer support via a community of like-minded, ambitious businesses

Eligibility

• Ambitious UK-based micro, small and medium-sized businesses 
• Businesses that can demonstrate the feasibility of their technology concept through modelling or initial prototyping 
• Applicants that are open to exploring routes to market for their technology and evidence that the business will benefit from programme activities and APC and Zenzic engagement to support this

Eligible technologies

On or off-vehicle

Software or hardware technologies

Full vehicles (including L category), however, the technology deployed within the vehicle must be innovative and the application would need to show how the vehicle supports or accelerates the move to zero-emission transport

Zero-emission enabling

Innovative automotive technology, products and services which accelerate the transition to zero-emission systems and solutions

Aligns with one or more of the UK Automotive Strategic technologies (see below); or if outside of these areas you should be able to demonstrate a strong automotive impact potential.

Example technology areas include:

Batteries, their components, management and integration systems

Fuel cell and associated balance of plant

Electric machines & power electronics

Hydrogen storage and management systems

Lightweight vehicle and powertrain structures

Manufacturing processes associated with industrialising relevant net-zero technologies

Direct recycling methods resulting in recovery of critical materials

Significant reduction in vehicle development timescales

Digitalisation leveraged during the design, development, testing, production or in-service phases

Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM)

Innovative products, services and solutions which can accelerate the transition to self-driving transportation

Technologies which support Zenzic’s commitment to ensure a safer, more inclusive, and productive future

While we are interested any technology or solutions that will advance CAM, we are particularly interested in:

Simulation & Digital Twins – Tools, processes and methods for the development of simulation to support the development and deployment of CAM services.

Cyber Security & Resilience: Solutions that enhance security and resilience to cyber-physical threats

Vehicle Hardware: Solutions to ‘drive-by-wire’ systems that can support safety and security requirements for CAM

Connectivity & Data: Solutions that develop the enabling connectivity and data required in deploying CAM services at scale, this includes approaches to mapping.

Testing & Assurance: Novel solutions to the complex task of verifying, validating and assuring (VVA) CAM solutions.

Software & Automation: Novel solutions in the development of automation and integration with vehicle systems.

Other key CAM enablers – Finance, insurance and legal