The UK’s innovation agency, Connected Places Catapult, has announced the opening of applications for the latest Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme. Funded by the Department for Transport, the programme will distribute up to £2.385 million across 53 projects, each eligible for grants of up to £45,000. The initiative is designed to support early-stage, high-risk research and development projects that aim to make transport greener, more resilient, and better connected.
Over the past 12 years, TRIG has supported 474 projects with £17.4 million in funding. These projects have collectively raised more than £199 million in further grant investment and secured over £250 million in private investment. Alongside financial support, participants benefit from business expertise provided by the Catapult, as well as networking and showcasing opportunities across the UK.
This year’s competition is focused on solving real-world challenges in transport. Proposals are being sought in areas such as maritime decarbonisation, freight innovation, digital twins for connected networks, and critical technologies like AI, advanced connectivity, and quantum applications. An open call is also available for projects outside these targeted areas, provided they align with the Department for Transport’s priorities and can deliver meaningful impact on the UK’s transport system.
The TRIG programme continues to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, supporting SMEs and research teams, and driving forward solutions that strengthen the UK’s transport infrastructure while advancing sustainability and resilience.
