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…

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.
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.

Related News

Transport AI applications selected for business case funding
News

Transport AI applications selected for business case funding

Three start-up businesses using AI to make transport systems smarter will be supported to develop their business cases.
Bristol Temple Meads to test latest in station innovations
News

Bristol Temple Meads to test latest in station innovations

Systems designed to reduce passenger stress and make station surfaces less slippery will be trialled this spring.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Connected Places Catapult join forces to target innovation-led growth
News

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Connected Places Catapult join forces to target innovation-led growth

The new collaboration aims to create opportunities for technology testbeds at strategic locations across the region and unlock infrastructure investment.