Connected Airport Living Lab Programme 2026/27 (UK)

The programme aims to solve priority airport challenges through targeted trials, accelerate the market readiness of innovative technologies, and support UK-based high-potential SMEs to scale. The 2026/27 programme focuses on improving asset performance management, understanding live passenger sentiment, and generating actionable insights from passenger feedback.

The programme, funded by Innovate UK and delivered by Connected Places Catapult in partnership with Glasgow Airport, is now in its fourth year. Up to three successful SMEs will each receive up to £30,000 to carry out a trial at Glasgow Airport over a six-month period.

This support may include market targeting and sizing, stakeholder mapping, value proposition development, pricing and delivery strategies, strategic execution, financial forecasting, valuation and funding, pitching, and effective communication.

The programme invites innovative solutions that address one or more of the identified airport challenges. These include monitoring large airport assets such as escalators, lifts, scanners, and car park barriers to better predict maintenance needs and reduce unexpected failures.

To be eligible, applicants must be UK-registered micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a solution at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5–9, meaning it has been tested or demonstrated in its intended environment or deployed as a first-of-a-kind commercial system.

The solution must address at least one of the identified challenges. Applicants must be available to participate in programme activities between 1 September 2026 and 31 March 2027, be willing to travel to Glasgow Airport when required, and provide digital copies of formal identification to obtain temporary airport access passes.

For more information, visit Connected Places Catapult.