Local Growth Archives

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

We empower businesses and regional organisations to unlock inclusive economic prosperity across the UK.

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.

£400bn

Annual UK public sector procurement spend, with £60bn in local government alone.

£19bn

Potential annual innovation-driven outcomes by unlocking just 5% of public-sector contracts.

Our focus areas

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.

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Projects

More projects

A busy train station platform with people walking by and automated ticket barriers in the foreground under a large arched roof. An information sign hangs overhead.

Project

Station Innovation Zone

Trialling new technologies at Bristol Temple Meads to demonstrate how innovation can happen in a way that makes a real difference to passengers

Project

Air Mobility Ecosystem Consortium (AMEC)

The Air Mobility Ecosystem Consortium (AMEC) project formed the third phase of the Government Future of Flight challenge, which ran from 2022 through to 2025.

Project

AI in Transport Enhancing Passenger Experience Programme

The Department for Transport (DfT), in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult, recognises the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of the UK’s transport system.

Open Calls

Are you working on an innovative pilot, project, or initiative to unlock local growth opportunity?

Check out the open calls and opportunities to collaborate with Connected Places Catapult and major stakeholders in this space.

Current opportunities

Click the button below to sign up for alerts and be the first to know when new open calls are announced. Don’t miss your chance to stay informed and get involved!

Connected Places Catapult announces five new Managing Directors to drive strategic growth and innovation

Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for transport, the built environment, cities and local growth, announced today the appointment of five new Managing Directors. These senior roles will play a crucial role in advancing the organisation’s strategic growth and reinforcing its position as a leader in driving innovation.

News

Accessibility innovators chosen for Bristol Temple Meads testbed

Two technology specialists selected for six-month trials as part of the Station Innovation Zone.

News

Partner sought for public realm innovation initiative

Expressions of interest are being welcomed from landowners, developers, joint ventures, design teams and operators looking to support innovation for the next generation of public spaces.