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…

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.
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.

Related News

News

Erika Lewis joins AIRTO Board

Connected Places Catapult’s Chief Executive Officer has been appointed to the AIRTO Board.
A worker in a hard hat and high-visibility vest oversees a forklift lifting a blue shipping container, surrounded by stacks of colorful containers in a shipping yard.
News

Government funding available for fresh thinking in freight

Up to £150k and specialist business support is available to innovators with ideas to solve some of the freight sector’s most pressing challenges.
News

ncat awards funding to innovation projects for enhancing transport accessibility

Connected Places Catapult is excited to be delivering the Scaling Innovation Programme on behalf of the National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat), which has announced the selection of its first cohort of innovation projects.