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

Card image

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.

Card image

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.

Card image

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.

Card image

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…

Flying taxi drone going through the city
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.
close up view of data on mobile phone
Project

AI in Transport

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.
aerial view of coast
Project

Enhancing cyber-physical resilience in remote crane operations for ports

As the UK’s cybersecurity landscape evolves, the demand for advanced skills continues to grow.

Related News

Connected Places Catapult part of winning consortium at the Self Driving Industry Awards
News

Connected Places Catapult part of winning consortium at the Self Driving Industry Awards

Pioneering autonomous driving demonstration project, evolvAD, picked up the 2025 project of the year award.
A port scene shows cargo ships, trucks, and stacked containers. An airplane is flying overhead against a sunset sky, with city skyscrapers visible in the background.
News

£1.8 million awarded to projects at the cutting edge of transport innovation

Shapeshifting trailers and ‘swarm robotics’ are amongst a host of new ideas being chosen to help tackle some of the UK’s most pressing transport challenges, like improving the efficiency of freight and decarbonising maritime.
Call for innovations in public space that can promote healthier lifestyles for young people
News

Call for innovations in public space that can promote healthier lifestyles for young people

Up to £25k funding, plus trial support, is available to innovators with ideas for public realm interventions that can improve the health of young people in Barking as part of the Public Realm Innovation Lab.