03.08.2026, LONDON, Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation agency for transport, construction and data infrastructure, has today announced the opening of applications for the Scale-Up Support Programme: Transport and Construction.

Funded by Innovate UK, the programme will help high-potential small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) move from promising pilots to strong commercial growth. It is designed to tackle a familiar challenge across transport and construction: proven solutions exist, but too often struggle to reach the buyers, partners and investment needed to scale.

Successful SMEs will receive a tailored package of fully funded support from Connected Places Catapult, including scale up coaching, commercial guidance, investor readiness support, peer learning and introductions to investors and industry stakeholders. The programme is open to UK registered SMEs, operating in the transport or construction industries, with solutions at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 to 9, meaning they have already been demonstrated or proven in real world operating environments and are ready for their next stage of commercial growth.

“The opportunity is not always in inventing something new. It is in helping proven solutions reach the places where they can make a difference. This programme will support UK SMEs to take credible innovations forward to commercial adoption, investment and growth.”

Alex Weedon, Enterprise Innovation Director, at Connected Places Catapult

Applications are now open and will close on 11 September 2026 at 12:00. SMEs can find out more and apply via the programme application page.