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
Quiet operation propels sales of electric motors for boats
Article

Quiet operation propels sales of electric motors for boats

Marine technology specialist RAD Propulsion – a participant of two Catapult-led programmes – recently secured £4.4 million of investment, and is looking to achieve £25 million annual revenue within the next three years.
Ocean tech developer prepares for rapid growth on land
Article

Ocean tech developer prepares for rapid growth on land

JET Connectivity developed technology and accelerated its ambitions thanks to advice and support from Connected Places Catapult. Now the Hampshire-based scale-up is looking to grow to £10 million turnover over the next 18 months.

Recent projects

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Live open calls

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Opportunity

Smarter Transport Systems AI Competition

The Department for Transport (DfT), in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult, is seeking innovative AI solutions that can revolutionise transport, delivering faster, cleaner, and more affordable journeys for everyone.
Exterior view of Glasgow Airport terminal building with white taxis lined up in the designated pick-up area, showcasing Glasgow Airport's accessibility features.
Opportunity

Accessibility and assistance services trials at Glasgow Airport

Connected Places Catapult and Glasgow Airport have collaborated to create the Connected Airport Living Lab, a collaborative R&D asset used to showcase UK-developed innovations, attract investment, and act as an innovation catalyst for the aviation sector.
The River Rhoding site showing a canal, several high rise buildings and foliage. The site is the viewing platform site.
Opportunity

Public Realm Innovation Lab – Open Call

This initiative will explore how public realm interventions can reduce pressure on the NHS by supporting social prescribing and preventative healthcare. It is shaped by the health priorities of the borough and the needs of the local community.

Have you got an innovative pilot, project or solution?

Case studies

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

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Latest news

An aerial view of a docked ship in a port
News

Search begins for innovators to make maritime operations greener

The new Ideas Elevator – Maritime Decarbonisation programme is set to support innovators with very early-stage business ideas in the maritime sector.
Chief Scientific Adviser celebrates five transport innovators
News

Chief Scientific Adviser celebrates five transport innovators

Exceptional start-up firms participating in the Transport Research and Innovation Grants programme were recognised at the Connected Places Summit.
Data Action Plan sets out a connected vision for transport
News

Data Action Plan sets out a connected vision for transport

Unlocking data promises multiple benefits for the movement of people and goods, says Sam Rose of the Department for Transport, a platinum sponsor of the Connected Places Summit.

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…