Deadline Date: November 21, 2025
The Department for Transport (DfT), in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult, is inviting innovative proposals through the AI for Smarter Transport Systems competition to revolutionise transport and deliver faster, cleaner, and more affordable journeys for everyone.
The competition focuses on the following challenge areas: Automating inspection and predictive maintenance, Optimisation of network operations, Enabling major transport infrastructure project efficiencies, Building climate resilience with AI, and Creating an inclusive transport system.
The initiative is launched as part of the Government’s Transport Artificial Intelligence Action Plan, which outlines how DfT will work with the transport sector to seize the opportunities from AI while managing potential risks. It aims to identify scalable and feasible AI-driven solutions that can digitalise and integrate existing transport systems, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.
Funding support is available for selected applicants, with up to £1,000 each for 25 applicants in Phase One and up to £13,000 each for up to three finalists.
The competition seeks real-world AI applications that can demonstrate practical feasibility and measurable outcomes to make the UK’s transport system smarter and future-ready. Successful proposals will explore innovative use cases that optimise planning, automate processes, and enhance decision-making across the transport network.
Eligible applicants must be UK-registered SMEs with fewer than 250 employees and solutions at TRL 2–6. Applications from large organisations, including universities, will not be accepted.
For more information, visit Innovate UK Business Connect.
