The UK government has launched a new round of funding to help develop technologies that could contribute to an improved future transport network.
Up to 60 projects will be awarded a share of the 1.85 million GBP fund to develop early stage research projects designed to support the nation’s transport system.
The Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme is currently focussed on maritime decarbonisation, the future of freight, local transport decarbonisation, transport resilience to severe weather and flooding, and improving the rail passenger experience.
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.
Since its launch in 2014, the TRIG programme has provided over 10 million GBP in grants to support almost 300 projects.
For example, Makesense Technology has been researching shape-changing haptic technology, which uses vibrations to give feedback from a device to guide visually impaired people through transport networks.
The funding also helped Lenz Ltd prove the concept of magnetic rail traction technology, which can enhance the reliability and safety of rail services in adverse conditions by improving the connection between the wheels and the rails.
In addition, under the last round of funding, Unitrove has produced a proof-of-concept system for managing hydrogen storage and distribution at ports to help the maritime sector decarbonise shipping.
