We partner with universities and research institutions to fast-track innovation, solve critical challenges, and drive real-world impact in transport, cities, and the built environment.

Through our extensive network, investors have the opportunity to connect with this ecosystem of innovators, whether it’s university spinouts, promising SMEs or pioneering local authorities.

Why partner with us?
Maximise real world impact of your research
Share your research with policymakers, investors, and global industry networks. Translate theory into policy, technology, and systems that drive economic growth.
Validate market readiness
Leverage our industry insights, technical expertise, and economic modelling to de-risk innovations and align your work with real-world needs.
Risk mitigation
Our testbeds, trials, and demonstrators allow you to test new solutions in real-world environments, reducing risk and accelerating adoption.
Cross-sector collaboration
We connect you with a thriving ecosystem of businesses, academia, and investors to foster partnerships and drive innovation.
Local impact
We help you deliver projects that drive inclusive economic growth, improve quality of life, and create resilient communities.
1,100 +
members
270+
universities
Become part of our global network and gain priority access to industry challenges, funding calls, collaborative projects and exclusive events.

Being a member of Connected Places Catapult’s Academic Network has allowed me to have better visibility over relevant events, projects and funding opportunities. The support offered by the Academic Engagement team has been very helpful in identifying areas where the impact of our project can be further exploited.
Dr Donya Hajializadeh
Senior Lecturer in Bridge/Structural Engineering, Director of Employability, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey
Key Projects
Researchers in Residence
Explore how Researchers in Residence programme sparks collaboration, promoting academic engagement and empowering researchers to influence change in areas that matter most.
Innovation Directory
Showcase your work to attract collaborators, investors, and policymakers in our curated platform for urban and transport breakthroughs.
Transport Research Innovation Grants (TRIG)
De-risk novel technologies with grants and mentorship. Past projects have secured patents, follow-on funding, and national deployment.
Open Calls
Have an innovative pilot, product, or solution?

Featured Article

Meet the Academic backing hydrogen for a clean energy transition
Mechanical engineering specialist Dawei Wu has created a hydrogen innovation roadmap to help guide future investment…
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