Government launches £2 million transport innovation fund VIDEO

14/12/2022

Department for Transport

Private sector innovators working on transport technologies of the future could share part of a £1.85 million Government funding package.

As many as 60 projects could be awarded a share of the latest Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) funding to develop early-stage research projects that would help create a better transport system. The programme aims not only to foster innovation to improve transport in the UK, but also to generate growth in the sector.

Transport and decarbonisation minister Jesse Norman said: “AI rescue drones, magnetic train tech, and sensors to help visually impaired people are just some of the cutting-edge transport projects this programme has already funded.

“We’re determined to support path-breaking R&D across the UK. This new round of funding is designed to find the next top tech projects that will improve transport for millions across the UK.

“By aiming at emerging start-ups and small businesses we can ensure we build a tech base for the future.”

Jesse Norman calls for TRIG fund applications

The TRIG 2022 programme has five targeted funding calls, alongside an ‘open-call’, considering any transport related idea. Specific areas of focus include: Future of freight / local transport decarbonisation / transport resilience to severe weather and flooding / improving the rail passenger experience / maritime decarbonisation.

Since TRIG was launched in 2014, more than £10 million in grants have supported almost 300 projects.

Along with industry applicants, TRIG is also open to academic applicants and helps university researchers translate blue-skies research into the real world and create new solutions. This can be a useful way to taking their first steps toward creating a new company and helping the sector grow and create jobs across the UK.

Now in its 16th round of funding, the TRIG programme, delivered in partnership with Connected Places Catapult, brings together talented innovators – mainly start-ups and universities – and policymakers at the earliest stage of innovation to help enhance the UK’s transport system.

Nicola Yates OBE, Connected Places Catapult chief executive officer said: “The UK’s innovation ecosystem is adept at developing solutions to complex problems. Government-backed projects like TRIG feed the early stages of the UK transport innovation pipeline and help us identify and nurture viable solutions to some of our biggest challenges.

“The TRIG 2022 call is focused on finding the next wave of state-of-the-art transport solutions, enabling the creative innovators to propel us along the road to a greener future while driving growth.”

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