The CAM Scale-Up UK Programme, delivered by Zenzic (it was created by the Government and industry to champion the UK Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) ecosystem), was launched by the UK Government in 2020 to help start-ups and SMEs accelerate the development of solutions that could power the self-driving vehicles of tomorrow. Since then, a total of 22 businesses have had their projects supported through the programme, which has led to the development of autonomous passenger and freight solutions, radar technology to help vehicles navigate extreme weather, and AI-enabled ‘perception systems’.

Now preparing for its fifth year, the programme is again looking for ‘innovative start-ups and scale-ups’ to take advantage of the CAM opportunity in the UK, with businesses urged to apply to join the programme and apply for funding as part of the 2024 cohort and have the opportunity to ‘test their products or service in realistic environments across the world-leading CAM Testbed UK facilities, significantly accelerating their delivery to market’.

Mark Cracknell, Zenzic’s programme director, said: “Since its launch in 2020, the CAM Scale-Up UK Programme has helped accelerate the development of numerous solutions that have helped advance the CAM ecosystem and position the UK as a world-leader in the development of connected and automated mobility solutions.

“However, to ensure we remain at the front of the global race to develop the autonomous and connected transport solutions of tomorrow, it is vital that we continue to support the bright minds and innovative SMEs that play a key role in developing and deploying such solutions, which is why we’d encourage any business from an automotive or tech background with an idea of how they could help drive the sector forward to get in touch and find out more.”

One project that has been supported by the CAM Scale-Up UK Programme is the development of the world’s first self-driving pothole-filling robot, which recently made headlines across the globe when the first videos were released of it in action. Developed by Daresbury-based Robotiz3d and academics at the University of Liverpool, in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council highways engineers, the CAM Scale-Up UK backed robot will be trialled on roads in Hertfordshire this year in a world-first trial.

Companies interested in applying for the CAM Scale-Up UK Programme can register their interest by emailing: .