The organisation tasked with accelerating the “self-driving revolution” in the UK, Zenzic, has announced the launch a scheme looking for innovative self-driving technology SMEs and start-ups.

The CAM Scale-Up Programme wants companies based in the the UK to apply for a chance to test and develop their products through the world-leading CAM Testbed UK, which is a global centre for the testing and development of connected and self-driving vehicle technologies.

Supported by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, the Zenzic CAM Scale-Up Programme, in partnership with Plug and Play, will focus on giving SMEs, needing to validate safety and security elements of their product, a unique opportunity to test their products in realistic environments across the various CAM Testbed UK facilities, allowing them to deliver better products to market much faster.

A total of £500,000 in grant funding is available to help cover costs of testing, delivered by the Centre of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. Winners of the bid process will also get technical and business assistance which will enable them to accelerate their products to market – using the capabilities of CAM Testbed UK to develop a proof of concept, driving new sales and obtaining additional investment supported by Plug and Play’s accelerator experience.

They will also get access to Zenzic’s insights from the UK Connected and Automated Mobility Roadmap to 2030.

Those selected to take part in this new scheme, will be entered into Silicon Valley-based Plug and Play’s extensive portfolio management system for the duration of the programme, giving SMEs mentorship, links to potential funding partners and a chance to present at the organisation’s summit.

Richard Porter, Technology & Innovation Director at Zenzic said the programme will enable SMEs and start-ups already working in these sectors “to deliver their innovative products to market much faster, and facilitate SMEs in adjacent sectors to pivot solutions into this market.”