Funding drives UK’s CAM sector forward

A transport technology sector is set to accelerate growth following significant Government-backed funding.

The UK’s £3.7 billion connected and automated mobility (CAM) industry is receiving a boost from the CAM Pathfinder Feasibility Studies competition. 

Funded by the Government and delivered by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), supported by Zenzic and Innovate UK, the initiative backs 14 projects exploring new CAM technologies and solutions.

Participants include Transport for London, International Airlines Group and Admiral, as well as a range of tech and transport partners, with projects covering innovations from autonomous buses and electric freight to zero-emission shuttles and automated airport baggage vehicles.

Officials say the funding forms part of the wider £150 million Pathfinder programme, aiming to fill technology gaps and grow the UK CAM supply chain. 

They add that the Government expects the sector to reach £40 billion and create over 6500 jobs by 2040.

Mike Biddle, executive director for net-zero at Innovate UK, said: “The funding for these CAM feasibility studies will enable the project teams to explore early commercial opportunities and address key technology gaps, to accelerate the development of solutions needed for more widespread CAM deployment. 

“This announcement highlights the UK’s commitment to innovation and signals confidence in the industry’s future potential. 

“Our teams here at Innovate UK work in partnership to support businesses on their journey, from feasibility through to real-world deployment, helping them unlock opportunities, drive innovation and deliver long-term economic and societal benefits.”

Zenzic, established by the Government and industry to integrate and coordinate the UK’s CAM ecosystem, builds on the success of CAM Testbed UK by supporting early commercial deployments, strengthening the supply chain and driving innovation. 

Over the past eight years, it has helped distribute hundreds of millions in funding and continues to facilitate trials and collaboration across the UK, with active projects in cities including Belfast, Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Solihull.

Mark Cracknell, programme director at Zenzic, added: “We are delighted to officially reveal the successful feasibility projects which will be undertaken as part of this year’s CAM FS programme.

“We are looking forward to working with the consortiums delivering each of the 14 projects over the coming weeks and months to further develop their businesses cases, demonstrate the commerciality of their solutions and provide vital insight into the opportunities presented by the UK becoming a global CAM pioneer.”

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