About connected places catapult

The UK’s innovation accelerator
for transport, the built environment, cities and local growth


BETTER CONNECTED PLACES ACROSS THE UK

At Connected Places Catapult, we are on a mission to create better connected places across the UK and beyond. We believe that innovation is the key to unlocking the potential of our towns, cities, and transport systems, making them more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous for everyone.

When connected places work, it benefits:

People: wellbeing, access and inclusion for everyone.

Planet: sustainable and increasingly regenerative living and moving.

Prosperity: prosperous local economies and trade.

From supporting SMEs to develop clean transport technologies to helping local authorities unlock innovation in public procurement, our work is making a tangible difference. We help businesses secure millions in investment, created jobs, and drive forward solutions that address climate change, social isolation, and economic inequality.

What we do and why it matters

Our mission is to bridge the gap between great ideas that can otherwise easily fail, and the marketplaces where they could be in demand. Download our full strategy to find out more.

we bridge the gap

OUR BIG PRIORITIES

TRANSPORT DECARBONISATION

Transport is the UK’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. We are committed to reducing emissions by accelerating the adoption of clean technologies, particularly in harder-to-transition sectors like aviation and maritime.

Integrated transport systems are essential for thriving communities. We work to improve end-to-end journeys, making public and shared transport more accessible, efficient, and safe.

The built environment plays a critical role in shaping our quality of life. We support the development of sustainable buildings, infrastructure, and public spaces that are designed with people in mind, helping to create places that are resilient, regenerative, and inclusive.

Misaligned spatial planning can delay critical infrastructure and hinder investment. We are helping to modernise planning processes through digital tools and integrated approaches that align housing, transport, and biodiversity.

Strong local innovation economies are key to regional prosperity. We help address barriers such as finance, regulation, public-sector procurement, and place-based leadership and empower businesses, local authorities, and regional organisations to unlock investment, create jobs, and boost productivity.

Data and digital technologies are transforming how we design, manage, and experience our places. We are fostering greater data sharing and collaboration across sectors, using tools like digital twins to improve decision-making and resilience.

Our Partners