Accelerating UK transport innovation

Innovation moving into the real world

Projects are addressing some of the UK’s biggest transport challenges, including freight decarbonisation, autonomous transport systems, rail performance improvements and the infrastructure required for a net-zero transport future.

This latest Steer-ED and partner Technopolis report shows strong progress across the portfolio. 85% of projects are meeting or exceeding their objectives, with most participants advancing their technologies by at least one Technology Readiness Level (TRL), 17% having reached the highest level (TRL9). Many innovations have now progressed beyond research and are being tested or deployed in operational environments.

Maritime decarbonisation leading the way

Maritime Decarbonisation is the portfolio’s largest programme and is the scheme of the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE). This comprises of 6 competitions and Steer-ED and partner Technopolis evaluated 87 projects across a total allocated fund of £187.5m (N.B. this doesn’t cover all Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition rounds) showing the UK’s potential to become a global leader in clean maritime technology. Funded projects include electric vessels, port charging infrastructure, hydrogen-powered autonomous craft and wind-assisted propulsion systems.

Several technologies are already moving into commercial operation, attracting international attention and creating opportunities for UK businesses in rapidly expanding global markets. To demonstrate this several videos have been created by Innovate UK Business Connect on behalf of DfT and Innovate UK, which can be found on the Innovate UK UK SHORE programme page.

The power of collaboration

A key success factor across the portfolio is collaboration. Projects bring together businesses, universities, regulators, local authorities and transport operators to tackle complex challenges that no single organisation could solve alone.

More than three-quarters of participants reported forming new partnerships or strengthening existing relationships. These collaborations are providing access to specialist expertise, testing facilities and new commercial opportunities, while helping to create future supply chains and attract follow-on investment.

Delivering commercial and environmental impact

Innovation funding is translating into tangible outcomes. More than a quarter of surveyed organisations have already launched new products or services, with many others expecting commercial deployment in the near future. 21 Wave 2 projects reported 31 patents resulting from their projects.

Commercial success can be impacted heavily by press coverage. As such it is reassuring to know that two-thirds of Wave 2 respondents have received press coverage and in total over 3,700 media items were identified for 99 of the 178 projects in the past year.

Participants expect long-term benefits including reduced carbon emissions, improved environmental performance, enhanced safety, greater operational efficiency, stronger supply chains and increased export potential.

A stronger UK transport innovation ecosystem

The portfolio’s impact extends beyond technology development. Around one-third of organisations reported creating new jobs, while more than half safeguarded existing roles. Over half of respondents are expecting further job growth within 5 years. Participants also reported increased technical capability, stronger commercial skills and improved understanding of regulatory pathways.

Next steps

The Steer-ED and partner Technopolis evaluation demonstrates how government, industry and academia are working together to accelerate innovation and deliver real-world transport solutions. The report highlights how public investment is helping UK organisations develop, commercialise and deploy technologies that support economic growth, improve transport systems and contribute to net-zero ambitions.

Innovate UK and DfT will be working together in the coming months to establish the Monitoring and Evaluation activity from 2026 onwards to go alongside the exciting transport innovation programmes already underway.