Transport Research and Innovation Grants (United Kingdom)

The grants, which are funded by the Department for Transport and delivered by Connected Places Catapult, will be awarded to businesses, academics, local authorities and any other innovators seeking to develop research and provide solutions to some of transport’s most-pressing issues including decarbonisation.

TRIG is designed to support organisations by providing easily accessible grants, alumni, and wrap-around support from Connected Places Catapult to bring innovations closer to the market. The programme also provides a collaborative space for innovators, including academics, SMEs, and large businesses, to work with DfT’s policy teams on realising shared goals.

TRIG aims to:

• Stimulate the development of new technology solutions to DfT challenges.
• Provide innovators with support to try out new ideas – to show early promise; or fail fast.
• Join up innovators with DfT colleagues in a safe setting and allow them to learn together.
• Help create future leaders in transport, whilst driving jobs and growth.

Focus Areas

• Airport Decarbonisation: innovative ideas to support the development of airport ground infrastructure for zero emission aircraft or to support airport operations transition to zero emission.
• Local Transport Decarbonisation: innovative ideas that accelerate the decarbonisation of local transport systems, demonstrating an understanding of the needs of local areas and communities, whilst also having the potential to be scaled-up across the UK in the future.
• Future of Freight: innovative ideas that address the opportunities and challenges faced by the Freight and Logistics sector and its supporting services, as outlined in DfT’s Future of Freight plan.
• Maritime Decarbonisation: innovative ideas for maritime solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the UK’s maritime sector, as set out in the Clean Maritime Plan, and support the transition to Net Zero by 2050.
• Connectivity, AI and Digital Twins: innovative ideas that combine Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins and/or Digital Connectivity together to enable a resilient transport system delivering cheaper, cleaner, and quicker journeys for all.
• Open Call: innovative ideas that have the potential to address a UK transport challenge, across all modes, challenges and technology areas.

Funding Information

• This year sees an increased grant amount of up to £45k per innovative project.

Why Apply?

• Innovation Funding: Up to 100% funding to develop your innovation
• DfT Collaboration: Gain insight from policy teams at DfT
• Networking: Join a cohort of like-minded innovators, shaping ideas and exploring new opportunities
• Business Support: Support from Connected Places Catapult covering a range of business areas including investment readiness
• Solution Showcase: Opportunities to showcase your innovation projects to industry experts and representatives from DfT

Eligibility Criteria

• TRIG is open to any UK organisation to support proof-of-concept projects that could lead to the development of successful new transport research products, processes, or services.
• TRIG is open to public, private and third sector organisations in addition to universities and research and technology organisations.
• Mandatory requirements for entry:
  • Proposals should all prove an innovative concept, taking an idea typically from TRL 2 (basic research) to TRL 4 (proof of concept/small scale prototype)
  • Your organisation must have a UK registered company number and office
  • They will consider proposals from consortia. However, the lead applicant who will receive the funding must be identified
  • Applicants submitting more than one competition entry need to demonstrate the ability to deliver the projects concurrently.

For more information, visit Department for Transport.