The Department for Transport and its delivery partner Connected Places Catapult support innovators through Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) developing innovative ideas to shape a safer, greener, accessible, and more resilient transport network.
Up to £2,385,000 in funding (£45k per project) is available to develop feasibility studies, proofs of concept, or prototypes tested in laboratory or relevant real-world environments.
Funding is available for projects in Maritime Decarbonisation, Freight Innovation, Digital Twins, Critical Technologies (such as AI, advanced connectivity, quantum into the transport sector, and engineering biology), and an Open Call for projects which fall outside the targeted challenges but have potential to make meaningful impact on the UK’s transport system and align with DfT’s priorities.
-
TRIG funds innovative ideas* to solve real-world transport challenges.
*For this competition, the definition of an innovative idea is a concept that addresses an unresolved problem or offers a more sustainable or cost effective solution than existing approaches. Your solution may already exist in another sector or transport mode, but it must be adapted for application in the targeted transport mode for the first time.
The project must be:
- At Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 – 4 (basic research- Proof of concept/small scale prototype) at time of application and can develop until TRL 5 (tested in the relevant environment) at the end of the programme
- Fully delivered and deployed in the UK
Organisations must be:
- UK registered
- Public, private or third sector of any size
Additional considerations:
- The organisations should not exceed the Minimum Financial Assistance threshold as a result of TRIG funding (up to £315,000 of state support during the current and previous two fiscal years)
- Previous TRIG applicants and winners can reapply with a different idea
- Large organisations must provide justification for the use of public funds to support the project
- Projects must identify a clear lead applicant. Applications from consortia are also welcome
-
Previous participants stated how the programme has been a successful launchpad over the years, having gained validation for their ideas from experts in DfT and Connected Places Catapult.
Participating in TRIG means you’ll join a dynamic community of innovators and benefit from:
- Up to £45,000 grant funding (per project); matched funding is welcome but not required
- A simple and accessible programme experience
- Monthly virtual meetings with DfT’s challenge owners
- One-to-one mentoring for a selection of cohort members
- In-person networking events across the UK
- Virtual pitching and learning sessions
- Access to our community platform with fresh content published every month
- Support from our Advisory Board Members New board to shape future of transport innovation – Connected Places Catapult
- Visibility on our Innovation Directory Innovation Directory – Connected Places Catapult
- Selected innovators to feature in “Meet the Innovator” articles on the Connected Places Catapult website
-
CPC are looking for innovative ideas at Technology Readiness 2-4 across 5 areas:
Maritime Decarbonisation: Seeking projects driving rapid decarbonisation to meet the Net Zero targets in the maritime industry while advancing the government’s clean energy ambitions. Up to 25 projects funded. Priority scope areas:
- Enabling Safe and Scalable Adoption of Future Maritime Fuels
- Reducing Emissions Through Smarter, More Efficient Vessel Operations
- Preparing Ports and Infrastructure for a Low Carbon, Multi-modal Future
- Whole Port Baselines Including Vessels & Zero Emission Infrastructure
- Trusted, Secure and Reusable Maritime Evidence to Enable Early Decarbonisation Decisions and Investment
Freight Innovation: Seeking projects enhancing efficiency and resilience within a multimodal freight system, aiming to stimulate economic growth, ensure value for money, and reduce environmental impact. Up to 5 projects. Priority scope areas:
- Clean & Energy Technology
- Operational efficiency and workforce productivity
- Automation & Autonomous Vehicles
Digital Twins: Seeking projects that enable better outcomes in terms of more connected, resilient and future-proofed network through digital twins. Up to 10 projects. Priority scope areas:
- Multimodal & Federated Transport
- Asset Resilience
- Incident and Crisis Management
- Supporting New Mobility
- Enabling Digital Twins
Critical Technologies: Seeking projects to support innovators in critical technologies like AI, advanced connectivity, and quantum into the transport sector helping them apply their solutions to real-world challenges. Up to 7 projects. Priority scope areas:
- Seamless Connectivity
- AI & Autonomy
- Robotics
- Ubiquitous Connectivity
- Quantum Technology
- Engineering biology
Open Call: Seeking projects which fall outside the targeted challenges but have potential to make meaningful impact on the UK’s transport system and with DfT’s priorities. Up to 6 projects. Priority scope areas:
- Accessibility in Transport
- Safety in Transport
- Harnessing Innovations from other Sectors
For full details of the challenges in each sector, read the competition guidance document.
-
CPC will hold an application webinar on Tuesday 19 May at 3pm: click here to register for a place. A recording will be available afterwards.
For any further questions, please feel free to contact the team at TRIG@cp.catapult.org.uk