National Centre for Accessible Transport: Scaling Innovation Programme 2025

The National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) Scaling Innovation Programme 2025, delivered by Connected Places Catapult in partnership with the ncat consortium, is dedicated to funding pioneering solutions that enhance transport accessibility for disabled people.

The Centre works closely with industry partners, transport authorities, operators, and policymakers to turn research into tangible improvements within the transport sector. Its initiatives aim to build a transport ecosystem that works for everyone, with a special focus on overcoming the challenges faced by disabled people.

A cornerstone of ncat’s approach is involving disabled people directly in the research process. By identifying the most pressing issues they encounter in using transport services, ncat drives targeted product development and research initiatives that address these specific challenges—ultimately improving access to transport for all.

About the funding

The ncat Scaling Innovation Programme offers SMEs the chance to tackle evidence-based challenges identified through ncat’s research, as well as an open call for any SME working on accessibility innovations in the transport sector.

Running from March to August 2025, the programme offers funding, business and technical support, and access to the ncat consortium’s expertise.

Up to 15 projects will be selected, with funding of up to £150,000 available each. The amount of funding available depends on your innovation’s maturity level, which is explained in more detail in the application guidance. Applicants will also be asked how they have involved disabled individuals in developing their solutions. The aim is to embed innovative, future focused solutions into the transport system and improve accessibility.

Who can apply?

Scaling Innovation encourages applications from both individual applicants and consortia. In the case of a consortium, a lead must be identified for contractual reasons and they must complete the application form. We would particularly welcome applications from D/deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and for individuals or entrepreneurs with lived experiences of disability.

To be eligible:

• We do require that the lead organisation is UK registered.
• You must demonstrate alignment to your chosen challenge or our open call.
• The competition is open to organisations of any size, including SMEs, academia, Research and Technology Organisations (RTO), industry, charities, central and local government etc.

Application Support Webinar

On Tuesday 12 November, Connected Places Catapult will host a webinar to help you learn more about the ncat Scaling Innovation Programme. The session will cover the programme offering, challenges, application process, scoring criteria, and assessment process.

The webinar will be delivered with simple, neutral visuals. We will provide audio descriptions of key elements and share a detailed agenda in advance. If there is anything else we can do to make the session more accessible for you, please let us know at scaling.innovation@cp.catapult.org.uk

The webinar will last 1 hour and 15 minutes. Click here to register for a webinar place.

Challenges for 2024-25

1: Physical barriers in the street
Solutions to overcoming barriers around the street environment. To include the fixed infrastructure (e.g. pavement and furniture) and non-permanent street obstacles (e.g. signs, parked cars).

2: Interactions with other people
Solutions around improving interactions between transport staff, the public and Disabled people. A specific focus should be around transport interactions and experiences including assistance, boarding and alighting and booking and ticketing.

3: Open Call
In addition to the two challenge areas, Scaling Innovation includes an ‘Open Call’ for ideas that improve transport accessibility for disabled people but fall outside the defined challenges. These submissions will be reviewed using the same criteria, though priority will be given to projects addressing the two challenges. Future competitions will tackle different challenges, offering more opportunities for innovative solutions.

If you would like help to find a collaboration partner, contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Transport team.