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…

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

Related News

More big names join Connected Places Summit lineup
News

More big names join Connected Places Summit lineup

The DfT’s Chief Scientific Adviser, the CEO of the National Wealth Fund and the Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy are among the latest speakers confirmed for the Summit.
close up view of data on mobile phone
News

AI in Transport: 23 innovators selected to develop proposals

The organisations chosen will develop use case proposals that demonstrate how AI can transform the UK’s transport system.
Five Hydrogen Technology Demos Green Lit
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Five Hydrogen Technology Demos Green Lit

Technologies from offshore electrolysis to the UK’s first hydrogen-powered railway shunter will be showcased.