Grants of up to £45k and business support are available through a £2.3m Connected Places Catapult fund to support cutting edge ideas that could transform key areas of transport.

The UK's innovation agency for transport, construction and data infrastructure announced that applications are open for the latest Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme.

TRIG supports organisations of any size working on early stage, high-risk research and development projects and the latest round aims to spread £2,385,000 across up to 53 projects, each receiving up to £45k.

This year's competition is seeking proposals to solve real-world challenges in five areas:

  • Maritime Decarbonisation – Projects driving rapid decarbonisation to meet net zero targets in the maritime industry while advancing the Government's clean energy ambitions.
  • Freight Innovation – Projects enhancing efficiency and resilience within a multimodal freight system, aiming to stimulate economic growth, ensure value for money, and reduce environmental impact.
  • Digital Twins – Projects that enable better outcomes in terms of a more connected, resilient and future-proofed network through the use of digital twins.
  • Critical Technologies – Projects that support innovators in critical technologies like AI, advanced connectivity and quantum into the transport sector, helping them apply solutions to real-world challenges.
  • Open Call – Projects which fall outside the targeted challenges listed above, but have the potential to make meaningful impact on the UK's transport system and in line with DfT's priorities.

The programme is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Connected Places Catapult.

Over the last 12 years, it has supported 474 projects and provided £17.4m in funding across 18 funding calls. In that time, solutions funded by TRIG have raised over £199m in further grant investment and secured over £250m in private investment.

Minister for aviation, maritime and decarbonisation, Keir Mather, said: 'Britain has no shortage of brilliant innovators, and this funding will back their ideas to help our transport system adapt for the future. This programme has a proud track record of turning bold thinking into real solutions that create jobs and growth, and I can't wait to see what this next round brings."

Sameer Savani, Transport managing director at Connected Places Catapult, said: ''I am excited to see the Catapult helping more innovators to quickly prove ideas that could make a difference in the real world. Together with Government, we are de-risking early-stage R&D, and accelerating solutions that will make transport greener, safer, more accessible, more resilient and better connected. If you have a great idea that could transform transport, I encourage you to apply.'

Prospective applicants have until Friday 5 June at 12 noon to apply via the Catapult's website. An application support and information webinar takes place on Tuesday 19 May at 3pm.