Join us for our ‘Showcasing Freight Innovation & Unlocking Business Growth’ - an immersive day of innovation and insight, designed to accelerate the future of freight. 

Funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Connected Places Catapult, this Freight Innovation Fund event brings together government, industry leaders, SMEs, and investors to explore the role of innovation in business growth and how innovators can further unlock investment.  

Across two showcase sessions, you’ll hear about cutting-edge solutions from our Freight Innovation Fund SMEs – both software and hardware solutions tackling operational efficiency, safety and decarbonisation challenges head-on. 

The Programme: 

• Two showcasing sessions: Hear from SMEs at the forefront of freight innovation, including this year’s Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator SMEs 
• Role of innovation in business growth panel: Hear from government representatives and industry voices on how government ambitions and industrial strategy support business growth. Gain practical insight into the architecture of innovation support and what collaboration means for scaling solutions. 
• Q&A session on attracting early-stage investment: Interact with a diverse panel of representatives across the investment ecosystem to gain insight on how businesses can successfully secure investment 
• Networking spaces to meet key players and innovators in the freight sector  

Why Attend? 
For Innovators and SME Members: 

• Network with others in the UK freight ecosystem 
• Connect directly with government representatives shaping innovation and growth strategy 
• Explore partnership opportunities with industry leaders 
• Connect with investors looking to accelerate freight innovation 

For Industry Partners and Investors: 

• Discover grant-supported, market ready innovators looking for investment 
• Identify strategic partnership opportunities with successful innovators 
• Connect directly with government representatives shaping innovation and growth strategy 
• Form partnerships with other industry players to collaborate on opportunities and tackling challenges in the freight sector  

Agenda

09:30 - 10:00
Registration | Tea, Coffee & Breakfast

10:00 - 10:15 
Introduction to the Freight Innovation Fund by the Department for Transport and Connected Places Catapult.

10:15 - 11:15 
Showcasing our fourth cohort of Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator SMEs

11:15 - 11:30
Networking break 

11:30 - 12:15  
The role of innovation in business growth panel 

12:15 - 13:15  
Lunch | Accelerator SME Exhibition

13:15 - 14:00
Showcasing our Freight Innovation Cluster SMEs 

14:00 -14:15  
Networking break 

14:15 - 15:00  
Unlocking private investment Q&A  

15:00 - 15:15
Wrap up & close