Funding

Transport Research and Innovation Grants

The Department for Transport’s (DfT) Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) bridge the early stage, proof-of-concept funding gap in transport innovation, where small investments can de-risk emerging solutions

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Impact of TRIG

474Projects Funded

£17.4min funding

18Trig Funding Calls

Applications are open: TRIG 2026 competition – Cohort 19

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.
Applications close 5 June.

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Opportunity

TRIG 2026 competition – Cohort 19

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.

What is TRIG?

The Department for Transport (DfT), in partnership with Connected Places Catapult, offers Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) to fully fund proof-of-concept research projects in support of innovative ideas or concepts that facilitate a better transport system.

The TRIG Programme aims to:

Foster innovation to improve UK transport.
Generate growth in the transport sector.
Build links between policy teams in DfT and innovators.
While the competition encourages applications with innovative ideas across all areas of transport as part of our traditional open call, some grant funding gets ringfenced for projects addressing areas like COVID-19 Recovery and Resilient Transport Systems, Maritime Decarbonisation and Future of Freight challenges (as per the TRIG 2021 call).

Eligibility and scope

TRIG is open to SMEs, universities, and large businesses. The competition is designed to offer small amounts of funding via a simple and accessible application process that will suit innovators needing a cash injection for research and development work. Proposals should all prove an innovative concept, taking an idea typically from TRL 2 (basic research) to TRL 4 (proof of concept/small scale prototype).

TRIG is open to public, private and third sector organisations in addition to universities and research and technology organisations.

Mandatory requirements for entry:

Your organisation must have a UK registered office
We will consider proposals from consortia. However, the lead applicant who will receive the funding must be identified
Applicants submitting more than one competition entry need to demonstrate the ability to deliver the projects concurrently

Why apply?

Funded innovation

Up to 100% funding to develop your innovation

DfT Collaboration

Gain insight from policy teams at the DfT

Business support

Support from Catapult experts and business coaches

Network

Join a cohort of like-minded innovators, sharing ideas and exploring new opportunities

Solution Showcase

Opportunities to pitch your technology to industry experts and senior representatives from the DfT

TRIG competitions are designed to de-risk the development of novel technology and will support the most promising and beneficial products as they launch within their intended markets.

Key features of TRIG:

It is 100% funded
Technical and commercial oversight is available from DfT, Connected Places Catapult and their partners
Participation in workshop activities with other projects and Government organisations is encouraged
Follow on support is available from the Connected Places Catapult, including the chance for SMEs participating to enter their SME development programme
The opportunity to take part in showcasing events designed to attract onward investment and collaboration