The government has launched a new 1.3 million GBP competition to encourage new transport projects across the UK in the latest round of funding of its Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG) programme.
Applications for this year’s competition, which will allow organisations and academics the chance to secure up to 45 thousand GBP in funding, will remain open until 21 May 2024.
With the introduction of the latest round of funding; the government has published a list of areas in which it will be seeking proposals, including nation-specific transport solutions relating to projects concerning challenges in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, efforts related to local transport decarbonisation, maritime decarbonisation and critical & emerging technologies.
Decarbonisation, Aviation and Technology Minister, Anthony Browne, said:, said:As part of our plan to improve transport across the country, we’re continuing to back the TRIG competition which has funded hundreds of cutting-edge projects over more than a decade.
Today’s competition launch means projects in their early stages can win tens of thousands of pounds to help improve transport and support skilled UK jobs in the process.
Previous competition rounds have seen funding provided towards the improvement of rural transport links, countrywide data networks with the expansion of 5G coverage and the introduction of AI technologies to provide real-time impressions on the use of transport throughout the country. 2023’s TRIG competition saw 41 projects gain funding, with winners including projects that utilise AI to reduce train station overcrowding and an autonomous parcel delivery boat.
Erika Lewis, Chief Executive at Connected Places Catapult, said: , said:Innovation is at the heart of helping our transport system to improve services for people, allow goods to be delivered more effectively and to meet environmental targets. The Transport Research and Innovation Grants programme supports high-potential innovators to develop fresh ideas, providing financial assistance and a wide range of business support from Connected Places Catapult to help them realise their commercial potential.
The TRIG programme has been running for 10 years and goes from strength to strength. If you have an innovative idea that you think could help tackle some of the UK’s transport challenges, I urge you to apply now.
Organisations and academics interested in applying for the funding can do so here.
