22.04.26, LONDON, Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation agency for transport, construction and data infrastructure, has today announced the opening of applications for the latest cohort of the Freight Innovation Fund.

Innovators with solutions that can address any of the four challenge areas are invited to apply for the fund’s accelerator programme and the chance to receive funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).

Challenge 1:  Renewable energy supply  

Innovative ways to decarbonise and stabilise the energy supply of freight areas, such as depot and ports, effectively and affordably.

Challenge 2:  Autonomy in freight and logistics

Next generation of autonomous technologies that can support decarbonisation, safety and efficiency for the inter-modal freight sector and its logistics.

Challenge 3:  Supply chain resilience 

Solutions that might support the industry shift towards innovation-enabled resilience-driven, adaptive systems.

Challenge 4: Open challenge 

Innovations, technologies and solutions that aim to improve the impact on nature, efficiency and safety of inter-modal freight.

Initially, up to 12 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be selected to receive grant funding of up to £10,000 each to develop a detailed trial proposal. Up to 8 of these will then progress to the next stage, where they will each receive up to £100,000 to deliver their trial via a pre-commercial Pilot and Trial contract. SMEs will be required to match-fund 30% of the total project cost.

To secure access to appropriate testbed facilities, SMEs applying to the programme have the option of applying with an existing industry partner or selecting to be matched with an industry partner.

The industry partners supporting the accelerator programme are: DFDS, GXO Logistics, Port of Tyne, Portsmouth International Port, Shoreham Port, Twentyforty, and Welch Group.

“Freight and logistics helps businesses and people transport goods across the UK and beyond, but we know it must stay innovative to compete with the rest of the world.

“That’s why I am delighted to see the government once again investing in the Freight Innovation Fund this year to help make freight greener, safer and more resilient for the future. Previous winners have already seen their idea become a reality, so I would encourage as many firms as possible to apply.”

Aviation and Maritime Minister Keir Mather

“By supporting high-potential businesses to trial new solutions in the freight sector, we can tackle key challenges like decarbonisation, attract private capital, and support long-term economic growth.

“Since it launched in 2023, the Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator has supported 44 trials and the companies involved have gone on to raise £105m of investment. I’m excited to see what solutions are proposed in this latest round and look forward to seeing trials on the ground with forward-thinking industry partners.”

Sameer Savani, Transport Managing Director at Connected Places Catapult

Prospective applicants have until midday on 1 June to apply via the Catapult’s website.