Connected and autonomous vehicles 2

The aim of this competition is to come up with technical solutions for connected and autonomous vehicle features that provide real-world benefits to users. This includes how these vehicles will work as part of a wider transport system. Innovate UK are seeking proposals where the commercial benefit is clear.

The competition is split into 4 streams.

Stream 1

Innovate UK are looking to fund a large-scale challenge to develop and demonstrate a vehicle operating at SAE level 4 automation (‘high automation’).  For more about SAE Levels, click here.

Projects must

• develop and demonstrate a vehicle completing a safe end-to-end SAE level 4 journey (at least 10 miles) on public roads
• undertake the journey in a variety of conditions
• demonstrate some aspect of zero-occupant driving capability as part of the journey
• undertake rigorous vehicle and system testing
• integrate security by design and demonstrate a rigorous assessment of cyber threats and vulnerabilities
• consider how the vehicle will operate as part of a transport system and how it helps meet the needs of the trial area
• show a clear route to market and revenue in the near term

Projects are expected to be primarily industrial research with some work packages being experimental development.

Funding & Project details for Stream 1

• £15 million to fund a large-scale challenge in Stream 1 (one or two projects maximum)
• your project may focus on industrial research or experimental development
• successful project(s) are expected to last 18 to 30 months and to have total project costs of £15 million to £30 million

Streams 2 & 3

Innovate UK are looking to fund industry-led collaborative research and development (R&D) projects and technical feasibility studies. These projects should focus on one or both of the following areas:

• connectivity
• autonomy