Transport

Creating cleaner, safer, smarter and more resilient transport systems

The UK transport sector is under growing pressure to decarbonise, improve safety, increase resilience and deliver better outcomes for passengers and freight. But complexity, risk and market barriers can slow the adoption of new technologies and innovation at scale.

We help transport organisations and high-potential businesses overcome barriers to innovation by validating emerging technologies in real-world and highly regulated infrastructure environments, accelerating the deployment of proven solutions across the transport sector.

By connecting industry, innovators, investors and government, we help scale proven transport solutions that improve performance, productivity and long-term sustainability across the UK transport system.

delivered using active airports and rail stations for trialling new solutions.

trials delivered in 2025- 2026 alone.

raised in private investment by supported SMEs since 2019.

in actualised cost-savings for HS2 as a result from our accelerators.

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Our services

Connected Places Catapult is a proven delivery partner for transport operators, infrastructure owners, government and high-potential SMEs.

We help identify, test and scale solutions that improve transport performance, sustainability and operational resilience.

Our services for transport industry organisations and SMEs include:

Our focus areas

Photo of Sameer Savani

We have an imperative to transform the transport sector – creating systems that are more sustainable, reliable, safe and accessible to all. At Connected Places Catapult, we collaborate with the entire transport ecosystem to catalyse change.

Sameer Savani, Transport & Construction Managing Director,

Connected Places Catapult

Scaling SME growth

We work directly with high potential transport businesses in the UK to support growth and commercialisation through our projects and programmes, which aim to:

  • Help SMEs turn potential into performance
  • Reduce risk so individual businesses can scale
  • Support SMEs to compete in real markets
M1 motorway at sunset in England. United Kingdom
Article

Investor predicts brighter future for scale-ups seeking finance 

Enthusiasm to invest is returning to transport and construction, says Alex Bateman of Ambition Capital, who is supporting a new scale-up accelerator delivered by Connected Places Catapult.
West Mids battery company expands its global reach
Article

West Mids battery company expands its global reach

Batteries powered by salt rather than rare earth minerals are about to be launched by a Catapult-backed West Midlands company; which is growing its operations in Africa.

Recent projects

A busy train station platform with people walking and automated ticket barriers in the foreground under a large arched roof
Project

Station Innovation Zone

We’re working with Network Rail and SMEs to test new technologies in live station environments. This helps SMEs grow, reduces risk for rail partners, and improves the passenger experience.
Connected Airport Living Labs
Project

Connected Airport Living Labs

The Connected Airport Living Labs is designed as a network of collaborative partnerships between Connected Places Catapult and UK airports, through which UK-based SMEs can test and demonstrate their late-stage innovative solution in a live airport environment.
Several white trucks are lined up in front of stacked shipping containers at an industrial location during sunset.
Project

Freight Innovation Fund

The Freight Innovation Fund is a multi-faceted programme funded by the Department for Transport, focussed on accelerating the adoption of commercial ready solutions to address challenges in the UK’s freight sector.

Live open calls

Freight Innovation Fund: Venture Growth Programme 
Opportunity

Freight Innovation Fund: Venture Growth Programme 

The Freight Innovation Fund: Venture Growth Programme is designed for ambitious innovators with commercially ready solutions, helping them strengthen their commercial proposition, prepare for scale and unlock new growth opportunities.
Connected Airport Living Lab: 2026/27 Programme
Opportunity

Connected Airport Living Lab: 2026/27 Programme

Connected Airport Living Lab is a six-month challenge-led opportunity for UK-registered SMEs to develop, test or demonstrate innovative technological solutions in a live airport environment.
Hydrogen End-to-End Dashboard: Digital platform creation (NAVIGATE)
Opportunity

Hydrogen End-to-End Dashboard: Digital platform creation (NAVIGATE)

Connected Places Catapult is inviting proposals for the design, development, and deployment of NAVIGATE, a data-led integrated digital platform to support strategic decision-making across the UK zero-emission aviation ecosystem.

Have you got an innovative pilot, project or solution?

Case studies

Catalysing and scaling innovation in UK freight and logistics
Case Study

Catalysing and scaling innovation in UK freight and logistics

How Connected Places Catapult delivered the Freight Innovation Fund accelerator to catalyse growth in freight and logistics.
Making Rail Accessible: Reducing Travel Anxiety with Digital Support at Bristol Temple Meads
Case Study

Making Rail Accessible: Reducing Travel Anxiety with Digital Support at Bristol Temple Meads

Through the Station Innovation Zone, Journey Alerts trialled their app-free digital support service.
Stations as spaces for placemaking
Case Study

Stations as spaces for placemaking

Understanding local experiences, challenges and opportunities in operating community-focused offerings from stations

Interested in collaborating with us to de-risk new technologies and solutions, and implement innovation at scale?

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Latest news

Exterior view of Glasgow Airport terminal building with white taxis lined up in the designated pick-up area, showcasing Glasgow Airport's accessibility features.
News

Three innovations selected for trial at Glasgow Airport

The companies chosen will trial technologies that have the potential to improve the passenger experience and make managing airport operations easier.
A group of people stand on a train platform during morning rush hour, dressed in business attire and waiting for a commuter train. The scene is slightly blurred to show motion and the hustle of daily travel.
News

Innovators on track to tackle rail’s biggest challenges

Ten innovators have been selected to receive tailored support to address challenges spanning passenger accessibility and safety, reliability, and infrastructure resilience.
Micromobility firm develops tech for e-scooters launched in India
News

Micromobility firm develops tech for e-scooters launched in India

Software specialist DOCK-Y is distributing electric two wheelers designed to enhance rider safety and ease congestion on the commute.

We work closely with the Department for Transport (DfT) to drive innovation and deliver transformative projects across the UK transport sector. Our partnership enables us to support cutting-edge research, develop new technologies, and create solutions that address the most pressing challenges in transport today.

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Transport Research and Innovation Grants

The Department for Transport (DfT), in partnership with Connected Places Catapult, offers Transport Research and…