The Department for Transport (DfT) has awarded 1.95 million GBP in funding to projects that could contribute towards green and efficient future transport systems in the UK.
The funding will go to 51 projects as part of the government’s Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG) programme, which brings together start-ups and policymakers in the early stages of innovation to help enhance the UK’s transport network.
Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said:Innovation funded as part of TRIG could be the key to unlocking a more efficient and safer transport system for tomorrow. I look forward to seeing the ideas develop to boost our green agenda and create high-skilled jobs across the UK.
Since launching in 2014, over 6 million GBP in grants has been awarded to support more than 200 TRIG projects that address future transport in the UK.
With this latest round of funding, Makesense Technology Ltd will develop a system to guide visually impaired people through the public transport network. The technology will consist of a handheld device that will scan the area and provide touch feedback, such as vibrations to direct the user and alert them of any obstacles.
Further, the programme is providing funding to Unitrove Innovation Ltd, which is developing a control system for the world’s first liquid hydrogen fuel container facility for hydrogen-powered ships.
AJEA Products Ltd has also been awarded funding to create autonomous flood protection for critical transport infrastructure. The project will design self-deploying barriers that can be installed at train stations across the UK. The barriers will automatically activate when floods are detected to prevent passenger journeys from being disrupted during extreme weather.
The University of Cambridge is developing a new low-cost and lightweight steering system for heavy goods vehicles, which aims to reduce tyre wear and carbon emissions and make it easier for larger vehicles to manoeuvre.
The winners were selected based on four key themes:
- Maritime decarbonisation
- Future of freight
- COVID-19 recovery
- Transport resilience
Throughout the programme, the DfT will work in partnership with Connected Places Catapult to also pilot an Innovation Accelerator Programme, which will support companies during the later stage of their future transport projects.
