Design to Deliver: Collective solutions for wild urban spaces

The lead organisation must be a UK-registered SME.

Technologies submitted must be of TRL (Technology Readiness Level) 5 or above, with demonstrable alignment to your chosen challenge, and you must be able to test and or trial in locations across the UK.

The lead organisation must have the capacity and resources to deliver in the assigned period – January to March 2025.

Some travel to meetings and events may be required; if you require reasonable adjustments this will be supported.

Connected Places Catapult’s challenge asks SMEs to consider how we might use information to contribute to the successful implementation, stewardship, and maintenance of wild urban places.

As urban infrastructure increasingly plays a role in the lives of both human and non-human beings, places where nature can thrive within urban landscapes are vital for reconnecting and realising the value of nature. The implementation, stewardship and maintenance of these wild urban places requires a collaborative effort, yet more needs to be done to ensure the right information is with the right people. The huge amount of data available needs to be deciphered, connected, and formatted into actionable information so the various stakeholders involved can make informed decisions.

Applicants are encouraged to put forward bold proposals that could address this challenge. Possible scenarios could include (but are not limited to):

• Innovative solutions to help visualise, interact and relate to information about the benefits and our impact on nature in urban places.
• Using and combining data around existing urban places to make the case to all stakeholders to enhance and connect urban greenery.

Location partners will give the successful SMEs on Design to Deliver access to communities and places where they can consider the practical implementation of their solution. The location partner for this challenge is Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London. 

• Location partner support: collaborate with a dedicated location partner to develop your solution in a real–world environment
• Design consultancy:
  Work with a design consultancy who will champion design and help you embed it in your strategy
• Funding: Secure up to £50,000 to develop your solution and design a 3-month trial plan
• Catapult expertise:
  Access sector-specific and technical support from the experienced Catapult team
• Trial design support:
  Receive support in designing your trial and gain opportunities to showcase your innovation

On Wednesday 25 September at 10am the Catapults will host an application support webinar. This will offer an overview of the programme, the funding process and give all SMEs the chance to ask any questions. Click here to register for a webinar place.

There are additional virtual support sessions available that will focus in more detail on each challenge. The Connected Places Catapult drop-in session will be held on Friday 11 October at 10am. Click here to register for the drop-in sessions.

If you have any questions about the programme and application, please contact: design2deliver@cp.catapult.org.uk