£1.8m to back cutting-edge transport innovations

20.05.25, LEEDS, Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for transport, the built environment, cities and local growth, announced today that applications are open for the latest Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme which will award up to 40 projects up to £45k each.

The programme is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Connected Places Catapult. TRIG supports businesses and academics working on early stage, high-risk research and development projects. To date, it has supported over 430 projects and provided £15.6 million in funding over the last 11 years across 17 funding calls.

Alongside the funding, participants receive specialist business support from experts at the Catapult, as well as a range of networking and showcasing opportunities.

This year’s competition is seeking proposals focused on:

• Challenge 1: Maritime Decarbonisation

Projects driving rapid decarbonisation to meet the net zero targets in the maritime industry while advancing the Government’s clean energy ambitions.

• Challenge 2: Freight Innovation

Projects enhancing efficiency and resilience within a multimodal freight system, aiming to stimulate economic growth, ensure value for money, and reduce environmental impact.

• Challenge 3: Open Call

Projects which fall outside the targeted challenges above but have potential to make meaningful impact on the UK’s transport system and with DfT’s priorities.

New to this latest edition of TRIG is a cross-cutting theme: critical technologies. DfT recognises technologies such as AI, robotics, drones, quantum technology amongst others as drivers of transformation for the UK transport sector. Applicants with a solution that aligns with this theme, as well as one of the challenges, have more opportunities to be selected.

“Innovation is integral to delivering a future-ready transport system.
 
“Through the Transport Research and Innovation Grants, we’re backing brilliant ideas that have the power to transform how we move people and goods across the UK.
 
“By supporting early-stage research, we’re not only helping build a more efficient, resilient and sustainable transport network, but we’re also supporting jobs, growing the economy and delivering our Plan for Change”.

Aviation, Maritime & Security Minister, Mike Kane

“Innovation is vital to the future of Britain’s transport system and key to boosting efficiency and making progress towards net zero. Now in its 11th year, the Transport Research and Innovation Grants programme is an established way to nurture high-potential innovators by providing funding and expert support.

We are proud to champion the UK’s brightest innovators and help bring their ideas closer to market. If you have a bold solution to a real transport challenge, now is the time to step forward and apply.”

Erika Lewis, CEO at Connected Places Catapult

Prospective applicants have until Friday 20 June to apply.