The Freight Innovation Fund is a multi-faceted programme funded by the Department for Transport, focussed on accelerating the adoption of commercial ready solutions to address challenges in the UK’s freight and logistics sector. 

Since launching in 2023, the Freight Innovation Fund has supported pioneering innovators to trial their solutions directly with freight and logistics delivery partners, accelerating deployment.

About the event

This event will bring together Freight Innovation Fund (FIF) innovators, partners, alumni, members of the wider Freight & Logistics Innovation Network (FLIN) and other key players in the industry. Together, we'll explore some of the most pressing themes facing the sector, such as how to overcome the "valley of death" and implement new solutions on a meaningful scale, and the impact of devolution when it comes to commissioning freight and logistics innovation.

Attendees will hear from the Department for Transport and industry representatives, while gaining first-hand insight from the current programme innovators on the problems they are aiming to solve - and how they plan to achieve it.

Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, an interactive workshop and innovation exhibitions, the day will explore what it takes to successfully commercialise and scale innovation in the freight and logistics industry to deliver economic growth. 

The event also provides a valuable opportunity to connect with innovators, industry partners, investors, government stakeholders and members of the wider innovation ecosystem, fostering new collaborations and enabling topical conversations relevant to freight & logistics innovation. 

Who should attend? 

• Freight & Logistics Innovation Network (FLIN) members 
• Freight & logistics industry leaders 
• Investors  
• Government and public sector stakeholders 
• Organisations supporting startup growth and scale-up activity 

Agenda

09:30 - 10:30
Registration | Tea, coffee & breakfast

10:30 - 10:45
Welcome and introduction | From the Department of Transport and Connected Places Catapult

10:45 - 11:30
Freight Innovation Fund: unlocking the next chapter for innovation

11:30 - 11:45  
Networking break

11:45 - 12:45
Panel: Closing the commercialisation "valley of death" gap in the UK freight and logistics market

12:45 -13:45
Lunch | Accelerator Innovator Exhibition

13:45 -14:30  
Panel: The impact of devolution policy on freight and logistics innovation

14:30 -16:00  
Interactive workshop

16:00 - 16:15
Wrap up & close 

Article

Powering infrastructure without waiting for the grid

Access to reliable, affordable power is becoming an increasing challenge for transport and infrastructure organisations looking to reduce emissions and modernise operations.

Case Study

Supporting innovators to make transport operations safer

How Connected Places Catapult helped the SME Rhevia to trial its radar and AI technology, delivering insights and improving safety on roads and in workplaces.