How to nail the Technology Developer Accelerator Programme (TDAP) Application

Applications for Wave 4 of our Technology Developer Accelerator Programme (TDAP) are now open.

In its simplest form, TDAP is a commercialisation course for technology developers who have a Technology Readiness Level of one to four with an idea or concept that aims to reduce emissions and is relevant to the automotive industry.

For many developers in the early stages of technology readiness, applying for funding and support can be a daunting process. To help make the process as simple as possible, Josh Denne, TDAP Manager, has provided his top tips for successful application.

Get the detail right

The most important thing when applying for funding – in any situation – is to put yourself in the assessors’ shoes. Remember, whilst you have been eating, sleeping and breathing your concept for a long time, the assessors are coming to it blind. We don’t need a guarantee of what it’s going to achieve, but a good idea of what makes the idea special and its potential benefits in a commercial proposition. It’s always a good idea to get a non-expert to review your application and ensure it makes sense and shines the best possible light on your idea.

Make it visual

If you can include a drawing or schematic in your application it really helps us to visualise what it is you’re trying to develop. You don’t need to include any confidential information – we know that this can be sensitive or secret and we want to help you protect your intellectual property.  So if you are worried about including this detail, try to find a way to help us understand what you are working on without including the sensitive elements.

What does it offer the APC

In your application, make sure you talk to our objectives. The APC invests in technology that will help accelerate the automotive industry’s shift towards lower vehicle emissions – so show us how the successful development of your technology can help us achieve this. It’s always great to see the potential economic output too – how can your technology help safeguard UK jobs?

Keep it simple

Be concise and clear – we receive many times the number of applications for TDAP than we have places on the programme. That’s why we have a strict page limit on our application criteria. Don’t risk your amazing technology being instantly rejected because you went over the limit.

Applications for Wave 4 of TDAP are now open and close in January 2020 for a planned April 2020 start.