Hear the stories of innovators and thought leaders

A podcast about the future of our towns and cities, and how we live and travel in them.

What is the role of a harbour, an airport, or a train station in the 21st Century? How are cities helping to decarbonise our economies? Where does hydrogen and new fuels come in? How do we make public transport more accessible and sustainable? What does the future of our town centres and local neighbourhoods look like?

These are some of the many questions we have explored with thought leaders, senior industry figures, innovators and businesses from around the world.

Podcast

In Conversation with Dan Labbad, CEO of the Crown Estate

In this episode we meet Dan Labbad, CEO of the Crown Estate – an independent commercial business, created by an Act of Parliament, with a diverse portfolio of UK buildings, shoreline, seabed, forestry, agriculture and common land.

Podcast

In Conversation with Andrew Barr, President of Hitachi Europe

In this episode we meet Andrew Barr, President of Hitachi Europe in conversation with Becky Wood at our recent Connected Places Summit, held in London on 19/20 March. Hitachi Europe was one of our strategic Summit partners and we are very grateful for their support.

Podcast

Highlights from the Connected Places Summit – 2025

This month was a big one for Connected Places Catapult. On the 19/20 March we hosted our second Connected Places Summit, in the heart of London.

Podcast

The future of innovation procurement

In this episode we revisit what’s happening in the world of public procurement, and what’s being done to not only improve the UK’s procurement landscape, but also make it more innovation-friendly

A teacher and students working on a project

Podcast

Inclusive innovation in the West Midlands

In this episode we explore some of the latest thinking on inclusive innovation and what it means for places – specifically one of the UK’s most diverse and vibrant city regions: the West Midlands.

Podcast

Highlights from the Connected Places Summit – 2024

On the 20/21 March we hosted our first ever Connected Places Summit, in the heart of the City of London.

A man with glasses and a beard wearing a white shirt is looking to the side in an indoor setting.

Podcast

Minding the gaps in London with Graeme Craig

In this episode we meet Graeme Craig, CEO of Places for London – an innovate, TfL-owned property company that is transforming how under-utilised public land can be developed with the private sector.

A woman with shoulder-length hair and glasses, wearing a black shirt and a colorful floral-patterned jacket, stands indoors near a staircase, reminiscent of Baroness Brown of Cambridge.

Podcast

In Conversation with Baroness Brown of Cambridge

In this episode we meet Professor Dame Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge; member of the House of Lords and an engineer by training.

A clock showing the transition from 2023 to 2024 surrounded by bright fireworks and golden bokeh lights.

Podcast

2023 – A Year In Review

In this episode we revisit some of the stories we’ve featured on the show this year, and the fascinating guests we’ve been able to have on.

A man with gray hair and glasses in a blue suit on the left. On the right, a woman with a bun wearing black and gray holds a virtual reality headset, showcasing how innovators are using VR technology to improve road safety.

Podcast

Meet the innovators

In this episode we meet two companies that have had to navigate the innovation rollercoaster to get to where they are.

Sir John Armitt, Chair of the UK’s National Infrastructure Commission (NIC)

Podcast

Reimagining national infrastructure with Sir John Armitt

Britain’s national infrastructure faces climate, funding, and decision-making challenges, with new technologies offering improvement opportunities.

Two women with luggage navigate the bustling airport terminal, surrounded by a crowd of travelers. The scene epitomizes accessible flying, with modern amenities ensuring a smooth journey for all passengers.

Podcast

How are tech innovators making flying more accessible?

In this episode we take a look at what airports and airline operators are doing to make flying more accessible.