Search begins for AI transport innovations that can enhance passenger experience

Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport, and place leadership, has today announced the opening of applications for the Enhancing Passenger Experience - AI in Transport Competition, a new competition that supports the Government’s vision for an Integrated National Transport Strategy published last month.

Delivered by the Catapult on behalf of the Department for Transport (DfT), the competition is setting out to identify and support small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with innovative AI-powered solutions that can address key challenges in transport.

The competition will make a total of up to £89,000 available to innovators through DfT’s Grant Funding Agreement with the Catapult. Alongside the funding element, business support, government collaboration and networking opportunities with senior transport stakeholders will be provided throughout this programme.

The competition is looking for solutions that enhance passenger experience and also support one of the Government’s key priorities set out earlier this year:

1. Improving Performance on the Railways and Driving Forward Rail Reform 
2. Improving Bus Services and Growing Usage Across the Country 
3. Transforming Infrastructure to Promote Social Mobility and Tackle Regional Inequality  
4. Delivering Greener Transport  
5. Better Integrating Transport Networks 

Successful applicants will receive funding and support across three phases. In phase one, up to 25 projects will each receive up to £2,000 of grant funding to develop an early-stage business case and pitch deck. Up to 10 will then be selected to move forward to phase two where they will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of experts, receiving tailored guidance and feedback to enhance their proposals. Finally, in the third phase, up to 3 projects will receive grants of up to £13,000 to develop and refine their business case through data research, government collaboration, and industry stakeholder engagement.

"As we embrace a new era of technology, AI is pivotal in revolutionising transport, driving smarter, safer, and more efficient systems that can benefit every corner of the country.      

“Through the strong partnership between the Government and Connected Places Catapult, the AI in Transport Competition is encouraging and supporting creative ideas that will help shape the future of transport and ensure the UK remains a leader in innovation."

Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security, Mike Kane

“AI presents a huge opportunity to improve transport for passengers, with potential benefits such as increased performance, improved social mobility, and lower emissions.

“If you have a solution that could harness the power of AI to make transport better for all, I encourage you to apply.”

Erika Lewis, Chief Executive, Connected Places Catapult

Prospective applicants have until 17:00 on 20 December 2024 to apply.