We empower SMEs to transform bold ideas into market-ready solutions.
National Highways Accelerator
Explore how National Highways Accelerator accelerated innovations to transform road networks and help reach ambitious net-zero emissions targets.
From startups to scale-ups, our programs fuel your growth with funding, strategic partnerships, and real-world testing to fast-track your success in transport, urban innovation, and digital infrastructure.
Why partner with us?
Fast-track from concept to market
Validate and scale your solutions with exclusive access to testbeds, industry mentors, and pilot opportunities – prove your value in real-world environments.
Unlock funding & investment
Secure grants, seed funding, and Series A investment through our investor networks and open calls and programs like SME Accelerators.
Build strategic partnerships
Connect with enterprises, government bodies, and investors actively seeking cutting-edge solutions like yours.
De-risk innovation, maximise ROI
Refine your business model with expert-led workshops and collaborative projects designed to mitigate risks and accelerate scaling.
Expand your influence
Gain visibility in new markets, locally and globally, through curated industry events and our innovation ecosystem.
Explore our key innovation programmes
Rural Transport Accelerator
Discover how DfT is supporting SMEs and local authorities to enhance rural connectivity through innovative transport solutions.
HS2 Accelerator
Demonstrating cost-saving rail technologies that improve performance and decision-making for the UK’s largest rail project.
Clean Futures Accelerator
Learn how West Midlands’ transport collaborate with innovators to transition towards clean tech and driving economic growth in the region by accelerating the route to market for SMEs in the sector.
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)
See how SMEs se-risk novel technologies with grants and mentorship, leading to patents, and national deployment.
Catapult has been fundamental to enabling us and our supply chain to connect with the best and brightest minds and get closer to meeting those pressing needs of ours.
Nick Harris
Network Rail
Open Calls
Partner with us
Partner with Connected Places Catapult and industry leaders to access funding, test solutions in real-world environments, and collaborate with policymakers and investors. Accelerate your market entry, reduce risk, and gain visibility in key sectors like transport, energy, and the built environment.
Current opportunities
Public Realm Innovation Initiative
Applications close 30 April
Sign up for alerts and be the first to know when new open calls are announced. Don’t miss your chance to stay informed and get involved!
Related News
News
Cutting-edge transport projects receive £1.4 million to encourage innovation and deliver growth
32 pioneering projects granted a share of £1.4 million to drive innovation and revolutionise the UK transport sector. Ideas will boost economic growth by creating jobs – sparking further innovation and cementing the UK’s position as a global leader in green transport.
News
Applications open for Transport Research and Innovation Grants
Innovators with ideas to address the UK’s most pressing transport challenges are encouraged to apply
News
Researchers in Residence scheme welcomes first four academics to tackle built environment challenges
Specialists involved in railway decarbonisation, construction circularity and transport safety have been selected to join the new scheme.
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