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…

Aerial view of the library of Birmingham Baskerville House Centenary
Project

DIATOMIC

DIATOMIC (Digital InnovAtion TransfOrMatIve Change) is designed to accelerate place-based innovation in the West Midlands, harnessing the region’s existing international relationships through a series of targeted initiatives.
Clean Futures
Project

Clean Futures

Clean Futures is supporting the West Midlands’ transport sector as it transitions from fossil fuels to clean technologies. The programme is also driving regional economic growth by accelerating the route to market for SMEs in the sector.
Innovation Twins Graphic
Project

Innovation Twins 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.

Related News

New Wave of Funding Targets Barriers in Vehicle Stops, Travel Assistance, and Transport Information
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New Wave of Funding Targets Barriers in Vehicle Stops, Travel Assistance, and Transport Information

The National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) Scaling Innovation Programme has launched its second round of funding today.
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HS2 launches new Innovation Accelerator to support the railway’s reset

HS2 Ltd is turning to some of the country’s most innovative tech specialists to bolster the ongoing work to get HS2 back on track.
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Maritime innovators focussed on port safety, autonomous operations, and future fuels join accelerator programme

From greener power systems to amphibious robots, meet the companies chosen for the Transport Accelerator: Maritime.