Latest Transport Research Innovation Grant winners announced

Connected Places Catapult has announced the winners of the 2021 Transport Research Innovation Grants (TRIG), with £1.95m going to 51 projects across three challenge areas – the Future of Freight; Maritime Decarbonisation; and Covid-19 Recovery and Resilient Transport Systems. 

TRIG was set up to enable the Department for Transport to fully fund proof-of-concept research projects in support of innovative ideas or concepts that facilitate a better transport system. Since 2019, Connected Places Catapult has delivered a total of six TRIG programmes that have channelled over £4.5m into small businesses and universities.

This has allowed entrepreneurs, startups and academics to develop new technologies, products and services that have the potential to enhance travel across the UK.

“TRIG is a one-of-a-kind programme. It provides a mechanism to identify and support early-stage innovation that might slip through the nets of traditional funding routes,” said Rachel Gardner-Poole, Connected Places Catapult, chief operating officer, adding “I am excited to see what great products and services arise.”

The winners were announced by transport minister Trudy Harrison, she said: “Innovation funded as part of TRIG could be the key to unlocking a more efficient and safer transport system for tomorrow.

“I support the ingenious ideas of this year’s cohort every step of the way and wish the successful applicants all the very best. I look forward to seeing the ideas develop to boost our green agenda and create high-skilled jobs across the UK.”

Among the ideas receiving funds include accelerating the installation of electric vehicle charge points and creating a planning tool for rural and urban mobility hubs. You can find out more about the cohort and their projects in TRIG’s cohort brochure.