Open Call
TRIG 2026 competition – Cohort 19
The Department for Transport and its delivery partner Connected Places Catapult support innovators through Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) developing innovative ideas to shape a safer, greener, accessible, and more resilient transport network.
Up to £2,385,000 in funding is available across 53 projects to develop feasibility studies, proofs of concept, or prototypes tested in laboratory or relevant real-world environments.
Application support webinar
On 19 May 2026, 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
TRIG occupies a distinctive position in the market of innovation programmes. Previous participants described the programme as a strong launchpad for early-stage ideas, particularly through the validation and strategic feedback they received from experts at DfT and Connected Places Catapult.
Participating in TRIG means you’ll join a dynamic community of innovators and benefit from:
- Up to £45,000 grant funding per project – No matching fund required, but possible
- A simple and accessible programme experience
- Monthly virtual meetings with DfT’s policy lead
- One-to-one mentoring for a selection of cohort members
- In-person events every three months across the UK
- Virtual pitching and learning sessions
- Access to our community platform with fresh content published every month
- Support from our Advisory Board Members
- Visibility on our Innovation Directory, articles and events
We are looking for innovative ideas at Technology Readiness 2-4 across 5 areas:
Maritime Decarbonisation
Seeking projects driving rapid decarbonisation to meet the Net Zero targets in the maritime industry while advancing the government’s clean energy ambitions.
Freight Innovation
Seeking projects enhancing efficiency and resilience within a multimodal freight system, aiming to stimulate economic growth, ensure value for money, and reduce environmental impact.
Digital Twins
Seeking projects that enable better outcomes in terms of more connected, resilient and future-proofed network through digital twins.
Critical Technologies
Seeking projects to support innovators in critical technologies like AI, advanced connectivity, and quantum into the transport sector helping them apply their solutions to real-world challenges.
Open Call
Seeking projects which fall outside the targeted challenges but have potential to make meaningful impact on the UK’s transport system and with DfT’s priorities.
Please read carefully the competition guidance document detailing the scope of each challenge. Solutions that are not in scope will not progress.
Who should apply?
TRIG funds innovative ideas* to solve real-world transport challenges.
*Our definition of an innovative idea is a concept that addresses an unresolved problem or offers a more sustainable or cost effective solution than existing approaches. Your solution may already exist in another sector or transport mode, but it must be adapted for application in the targeted transport mode for the first time.
The project must be:
- At Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 – 4 (basic research- Proof of concept/small scale prototype) at time of application and can develop until TRL 5 (tested in the relevant environment) at the end of the programme
- Fully delivered and deployed in the UK
Organisations must be:
- UK registered
- Public, private or third sector of any size
Additional considerations:
- The organisations should not exceed the Minimum Financial Assistance threshold as a result of TRIG funding
- Previous TRIG applicants and winners can reapply with a different idea
- Large organisations must provide justification for the use of public funds to support the project
- Read our application guidance carefully
- Projects must identify a clear lead applicant. Applications from consortia are also welcome
Stage 1
Pre-qualification applications open
Application support webinar
Pre-qualification applications close
Stage 2
7 Aug
Full submission applications
For up to 212 selected projects
Stage 3
Interviews with DfT
For up to 90 selected projects (minimum of one week notice)
Final award announcement and onboarding
2027
Project delivery period
Showcase event
Application process
The competition is structured into three phases. Interested candidates must submit a pre-qualification form by 5 June, 12 noon.
Selected applicants will be invited to complete a full application between 13 July and 7 August. Subsequent interviews with the DfT challenge owners will follow for further preselection.
Interested applicants should carefully review all supporting documentation before submitting their application.
Supporting documents
Point of contact
If you have any questions about the programme and application, please contact: trig@cp.catapult.org.uk
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