Opportunity Title : UK Government – DRIVE35 Scale-up Fund Drawdown 5 2026 (With Up to £20 Million in Funding)

DRIVE35 stands for Driving Research and Investment in Vehicle Electrification. It is a strategic UK programme established to accelerate the country's transition towards zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) while supporting the development and competitiveness of domestic automotive manufacturing and supply chains.

The programme forms part of the UK's wider efforts to strengthen its automotive sector, encourage investment in vehicle electrification and develop the industrial capabilities required for the transition to cleaner transportation.

DRIVE35 is delivered through collaboration between the UK Government, Innovate UK, and the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC).

The Scale-up Fund focuses on supporting substantial manufacturing development projects capable of delivering meaningful economic, technological and industrial benefits in the UK.

One of the major attractions of the DRIVE35 Scale-up Fund is the substantial level of grant support available to successful applicants.

Eligible projects must request funding within the following range:

• Minimum grant: £2.5 million
• Maximum grant: £20 million
• Minimum total eligible project costs: More than £5 million

The funding could provide significant support for organisations undertaking large-scale manufacturing development activities related to vehicle electrification and the wider automotive industry.

Successful projects are expected to contribute to the UK's industrial capabilities and support the development of competitive domestic automotive manufacturing and supply chains.

Applicants must meet the programme's requirements and demonstrate that their proposed project will deliver substantial benefits within the United Kingdom.

Key requirements include:

UK-based project activities

Applicants must be organisations carrying out project work in the UK. The proposed project should have a clear and demonstrable UK focus.

UK exploitation of project results

Applicants must intend to exploit the results of the project within the UK. This means the benefits and outcomes generated through the funded project should contribute to UK-based economic and industrial activity.

Majority of activities conducted in the UK

The majority of funded project activities must be carried out domestically. Applicants should therefore be able to demonstrate meaningful UK-based project implementation.

Automotive manufacturing and supply-chain benefits

Projects should contribute to the development of UK automotive manufacturing and supply chains. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their project can strengthen the UK's position in vehicle electrification and related manufacturing activities.

Overall, the programme is primarily targeted at organisations capable of demonstrating significant economic, manufacturing, technological or supply-chain benefits for the United Kingdom.

Organisations interested in the DRIVE35 Scale-up Fund Drawdown 5 2026 should first review the official eligibility requirements, funding conditions and application guidance.

Applicants should then prepare their project proposal and supporting information in accordance with the programme requirements.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review the official DRIVE35 Scale-up Fund guidance.

Step 2: Confirm that your organisation and proposed project meet the eligibility requirements.

Step 3: Develop a detailed project proposal demonstrating the project's UK focus, manufacturing benefits and contribution to automotive supply-chain development.

Step 4: Ensure that the proposed funding request falls between £2.5 million and £20 million and that total eligible project costs exceed £5 million.

Step 5: Submit the completed application through the designated application website before the relevant deadline.

Important: Applicants should rely on the official funding guidance for the latest information concerning eligibility, application requirements, deadlines and funding conditions.