Strong local innovation economies are essential for regional growth, productivity, and equitable economic opportunities.

We tackle the barriers holding regions back including:

  • Limited access to funding for SMEs and regional projects.
  • Complex regulatory environments that hinder innovation.
  • Public sector procurement practices that are not innovation-friendly.

Our focus areas

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Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC)

We help public authorities adopt innovation-friendly procurement practices, unlocking demand for new solutions and driving regional R&D activity.

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UK Innovation Districts Group (UKIDG)

We work with leading innovation districts where businesses, universities, and communities collaborate to tackle society’s biggest challenges, from net zero interventions to AI applications. Our goal is to ensure place-based innovation drives inclusive urban growth.

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3Ci: Cities Commission for Climate Investment

We support local authorities in securing long-term finance for achieving net zero, unlocking £200bn+ in investment opportunities across UK cities.

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Freeport Innovation Network

We support UK Freeports in delivering their innovation objectives, ensuring long-term legacy impact for businesses and communities.

Tale of two cities in boosting local growth through innovation

Delegates flocked to the Connected Places Catapult pavilion at UKREiiF in Leeds for three days of discussion around place…

Several white trucks are lined up in front of stacked shipping containers at an industrial location during sunset.
Project

Freight Innovation Fund

The Freight Innovation Fund is a multi-faceted programme funded by the Department for Transport, focussed on accelerating the adoption of commercial ready solutions to address challenges in the UK’s freight sector.
HS2 Accelerator Programme
Project

HS2 Accelerator Programme

HS2, working with Connected Places Catapult and in partnership with the Department for Transport, delivers the HS2 Accelerator Programme. It enables innovators to work with HS2 to develop technologies that solve real infrastructure challenges and improve efficiency
Infrastructure Industry Innovation Partnership (i3P)
Project

Infrastructure Industry Innovation Partnership (i3P)

Join the i3P community to drive the future transformation of the infrastructure and construction industry.

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