Space for the Sports Car Sector - Efficiency, Safety and Sustainability

The automotive sector is currently undergoing a rapid evolution, marked by a concerted effort around decarbonisation, sustainability, and digitalisation. One of the great challenges of the next few years will be to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of the automotive industry throughout the full value chain, not only through electrification of vehicles.

The luxury sports car market is mirroring the transformation of the overall automotive sector as technological advancements, changing customer preferences and ongoing regulatory changes push car makers to seek innovative solutions to stay ahead.

This ‘Space for the Sports Car Sector – Efficiency, Safety And Sustainability’ opportunity offers funding for teams who would like to develop sustainable space-based services and applications that address challenges related to the sports car sector.

With a strong focus on cutting emissions during the use phase of the vehicles and for domestic use, addressing scope three emissions is also a challenge. Innovative technologies are required to help monitor and reduce emissions and to ensure the full value chain is held accountable.

The efficiency of the overall automotive supply chain is also under scrutiny, as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) aim to improve delivery methods of complex supply chains, to optimise routes, deliveries, and the tracking of goods for improved efficiency and transparency.

Furthermore, the luxury sports car market is seeing an increased demand from customers for innovative services to improve customer satisfaction, experience, and safety. This trend is fuelled by advancements in technology, particularly in connectivity and vehicle tracking systems, which serve as enablers. As consumers increasingly seek personalised and seamless experiences, automotive companies are aiming to leverage technology to deliver bespoke solutions, from real-time vehicle performance monitoring to route optimisation and enhanced security.

Topics of relevance identified for the call are Safety, Sustainability, Route Optimisation and Logistics. Space technology may help with these through the use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), satellite communications, and/or earth observation data.

Who can apply?

This opportunity is open to companies that intend to develop space-enabled services and products related, but not restricted, to the topics of relevance outlined above.

To be eligible for funding, your team must be based in one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom. 

The applicable funding level of the individual prime or subcontractors is subject to authorisation from the relevant National Delegation(s). Therefore, bidding teams are requested to obtain a Letter of Authorisation from all their national delegations before submitting a Full Proposal.

If you would like help to find a collaboration partner, or with contacting the UK’s National Delegation, please contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Space team.