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…

A passenger airplane at an airport gate during sunset at Glasgow Airport. Ground crew and vehicles servicing the plane
Project

Enabling and Protecting Multi-Fuel Ecosystems at Airports

The Aviation industry is committed to decarbonise and alternative fuels such as hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) are emerging as key solutions to reduce its carbon footprint. However, the introduction of these fuels brings new and complex cyber-physical security challenges.
An airport runway at sunset with several airplanes parked and one being towed by a ground vehicle.
Project

Zero Emission Airports (ZEA)

Decarbonising airport operations and developing the infrastructure to support zero-emission flight
Female IT programer working on desktop computer in data
Project

Cybersecurity and Operational Modelling in Transport

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

Related News

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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.
Maritime innovators focussed on port safety, autonomous operations, and future fuels join accelerator programme
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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.
Transport and built environment leaders join Connected Places Catapult Board
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Transport and built environment leaders join Connected Places Catapult Board

Sustainability specialist and airport boss appointed to bolster strategic counsel and governance.