Open Call
The Ideas Elevator – Maritime Decarbonisation
This pilot programme is for disruptive, very early-stage and exciting ideas and concepts (at Technology Readiness Levels 1-2) that may alter the future landscape of clean maritime and have the potential to lead to radical change. It is open to UK-based SMEs and academics.
The Ideas Elevator creates a dedicated pathway to future funding and support from Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG). The strongest applicants will be fast-tracked to an interview stage.
Application support webinar
On 22 April at 10am, we will hold a support webinar to give applicants the opportunity to find out more about the programme offering, challenges, application process, scoring criteria, and the assessment process.
Overview
The Ideas Elevator is a pilot programme to explore cutting edge ideas and technologies in transport, creating a dedicated pathway to future funding with Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG). The Ideas Elevator is backed by the Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Connected Places Catapult.
Low-TRL concepts from any discipline are welcome, particularly those emerging from exploratory research and underpinned by a clear theoretical rationale.
Innovators selected for the programme will receive:
- expert feedback on concept development
- pitch deck development support and pitch training
- an opportunity to attend a Pitch Day to present ideas to a panel of DfT, industry and Connected Places Catapult experts.
The best ideas presented during the Pitch Day will be fast-tracked to the TRIG Programme interview.
Enabling safe and scalable adoption of future maritime fuels
How might we develop early-stage methods, tools or concepts that enable the safe handling, storage, distribution and use of zero and near zero GHG emission fuels and support the skills, materials and logistics needed for the transition to multiple zero and near zero fuels?
Reducing emissions through smarter, more efficient vessel operations
How might early-stage concepts, data-led approaches or enabling technologies improve vessel energy efficiency through smarter and more efficient operations for zero and near zero GHG emission and automation to reduce maritime greenhouse gas emissions?
Preparing ports and infrastructure for a low carbon, multi-modal future
How might early-stage tools, models or system concepts help ports and maritime infrastructure manage automation, multifuel energy demand and coordination to support maritime decarbonisation?
Whole port baselines including vessels and zero emission infrastructure
How might we create a simple, secure and repeatable approach to mapping whole port energy demand and emissions including shore power infrastructure, vessel charging facilities and land-based machinery with a direct link to reducing maritime emissions?
Trusted, secure and reusable maritime evidence to enable early decarbonisation decisions and investment
How might we create trusted, secure and reusable maritime evidence that enables faster, more confident early-stage decarbonisation decisions unlocking investment across the shipping value chain?
Who should apply?
To be eligible, applicants must be:
- UK-registered SME (an organisation with fewer than 250 employees) or a researcher employed by a UK based university.
- Your solution must be between Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 1-2.
Applications open
Application support webinar
Applications close
Applications assessment
Cohort award. Concept and pitch development.
Pitch Day
Shortlisted projects proceed to interview
Application process
Interested applicants should carefully review all supporting documentation before submitting their application.
Applications close 8 May, 12 noon
Supporting documents
Point of contact
If you have any questions about the programme and application, please contact: innovation_funding@cp.catapult.org.uk
Partners
