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…

Connected Airport Living Labs
Project

Connected Airport Living Labs

The Connected Airport Living Labs is designed as a network of collaborative partnerships between Connected Places Catapult and UK airports, through which UK-based SMEs can test and demonstrate their late-stage innovative solution in a live airport environment.
3Ci: The Cities Commission for Climate Investment
Project

3Ci: The Cities Commission for Climate Investment

A national initiative unlocking private investment into local net zero projects through place-based collaboration, now transitioning into government delivery.
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.

Related News

Funding available to develop airport security technologies
News

Funding available to develop airport security technologies

Innovators can apply now for a share of up to £500k to develop and test solutions that have the potential to further improve airport security.
£2.3m funding for ideas to transform transport
News

£2.3m funding for ideas to transform transport

Grants of up to £45k and business support is available to innovators with cutting-edge ideas to help make transport greener, more resilient and better connected.
Scaling Innovation programme welcomes 16 innovators to develop solutions for accessible transport
News

Scaling Innovation programme welcomes 16 innovators to develop solutions for accessible transport

The National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) has announced 16 innovators selected for its 2026 Scaling Innovation programme, supporting the development of solutions to break down transport barriers and drive long-term systemic change.