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

HS2 Accelerator Programme
Project

HS2 Accelerator Programme

HS2, working with Connected Places Catapult and in partnership with the Department for Transport, delivers the HS2 Accelerator Programme. It enables innovators to work with HS2 to develop technologies that solve real infrastructure challenges and improve efficiency
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.

Live open calls

Rail Growth Support Programme
Opportunity

Rail Growth Support Programme

The Rail Growth Support Programme is a capability-building programme for mid-to-early-TRL innovators with solutions applicable to challenges in the railway sector, supporting SMEs to understand the progression route for their solutions.
Clean Transport Accelerator: Maritime
Opportunity

Clean Transport Accelerator: Maritime

The Clean Transport Accelerator: Maritime is a six-month programme supporting SMEs developing innovative solutions for maritime decarbonisation.
Airport security worker observes a bag scanner on screen whilst passengers walk through a security archway
Opportunity

HADeS 2026 Competition

Building on the success of the HADeS (High Assurance Detection Systems) innovation call in 2025 the Department for Transport (DfT) is launching HADeS 2026.

Have you got an innovative pilot, project or solution?

Case studies

Supporting innovators to make transport operations safer
Case Study

Supporting innovators to make transport operations safer

How Connected Places Catapult helped the SME Rhevia to trial its radar and AI technology, delivering insights and improving safety on roads and in workplaces.
Transforming manual asset verification from two weeks to 35 seconds at HS2
Case Study

Transforming manual asset verification from two weeks to 35 seconds at HS2

AI company, BuildPrompt, were partnered with the high-speed rail programme through the HS2 Accelerator to create a solution designed specifically for infrastructure delivery.
Harnessing AI to enhance passenger experience
Case Study

Harnessing AI to enhance passenger experience

The AI in Transport Enhancing Passenger Experience competition, a collaboration between the Department for Transport (DfT) and Connected Places Catapult, aimed to find innovative ideas that embed responsible AI into a resilient transport system, in alignment with the UK government’s vision.

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

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Latest news

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.
Maritime innovators chart a course for cleaner transport
News

Maritime innovators chart a course for cleaner transport

Six innovators have been selected for a six-month programme supporting cleaner maritime solutions.

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…