partners
Department for Transport Partner Hub
Since 2013 the Department for Transport (DfT) and Connected Places Catapult have worked closely together to transform the UK transport system through the opportunities that technological innovations present.
Together, we leverage our strengths and shared focus on innovation, delivering projects and programmes that respond to the innovation challenges of today and tomorrow.
We support the development of technologies which enhance transportation, driving UK economic growth and making transportation safer, accessible, more efficient, and sustainable.
Our projects are as diverse in focus as the challenges we aim to find solutions for. Like helping the DfT to face cross-departmental challenges such as enabling drone operations and digital infrastructure asset management.
All of this work is possible because the DfT’s Science, Innovation & Technology Division manages the collaboration with Connected Places Catapult and administers a Grant Funding Agreement for project delivery, with oversight from DfT’s Chief Scientific Adviser.
MEET THE UK’s transport innovators
From battery integrated EV chargers to a wind propulsion system for commercial shipping, meet some of the incredible companies transforming the UK transport industry that have been funded by the UK Government through various grants and programmes.
Decarbonising UK transport
Transforming the maritime sector
The Freight Innovation Fund
Making the transport industry safe and accessible
Innovation Directory
Explore our Innovation Directory, showcasing trailblazing innovators and projects in mobility, sustainable infrastructure, intelligent transport, and beyond.
Explore our opportunities
The collaboration between the DfT and Connected Places Catapult extends beyond individual goals. We are aligned to a shared vision of the UK’s future as a global leader in transport innovation.
Transport Research innovation grants
Since 2014 we have awarded over £12 million to 361 innovation projects to develop new solutions to DfT challenges.
Decarbonisation of transport
Transport is responsible for 27% of the UK’s total emissions, more than any sector. Learn how we are taking on the biggest challenge of them all.
Article / Meet the academic developing a new social scale for greener transport
Professor of Sociology, Monika Büscher is developing a societal readiness assessment methodology for transport decarbonisation interventions, to ensure future technologies fully meet community needs.
Freight innovation fund
The Freight Innovation Fund (FIF) supports SMEs with solutions to current challenges in the UK’s freight sector, as well as developing a future pipeline of solutions to meet the sector’s emerging needs.
Programme / Freight Innovation Fund
The Freight Innovation Fund is a multi-faceted programme funded by the Department for Transport, focussed on accelerating the adoption of commercially ready solutions to address challenges in the UK’s freight sector.
