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
Keeping people safe in transport hubs using AI
Article

Keeping people safe in transport hubs using AI

Createc will be demonstrating its crowd monitoring technology that helps keep people safe in train stations and airports at InnoTrans in Germany, alongside Connected Places Catapult.
Meet the innovator using AI to improve the school run
Article

Meet the innovator using AI to improve the school run

Moria Bennett is growing a tech business whose AI platform is helping to make the school run safer, greener and smarter.

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

Driving innovation with National Highways
Case Study

Driving innovation with National Highways

National Highways has partnered with Connected Places Catapult to embrace innovation and address challenges of safety, innovation, and environmental sustainability.

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

Collection of images related to transport, featuring a train, plane, busses and cars, e-bikes

Latest news

Freight Innovation Fund welcomes latest cohort of innovative businesses
News

Freight Innovation Fund welcomes latest cohort of innovative businesses

Automated port systems and aerodynamic lorry designs feature among the latest companies selected for the accelerator programme.
New support for transport and construction innovators to scale their business
News

New support for transport and construction innovators to scale their business

A new programme of tailored support will help UK SMEs with proven solutions to commercialise at scale.
Bus software contract awarded to scaling Catapult-backed company
News

Bus software contract awarded to scaling Catapult-backed company

Data driven mobility specialist Alchera Technologies has signed a contract with Norfolk County Council to supply a system to help improve bus reliability.

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…