Connected Places Catapult, the UK's innovation agency for transport, construction and data infrastructure, has announced that applications are open for the latest Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) Programme. The latest round of the programme will award up to £2,385,000 across up to 53 projects, receiving up to £45k each. 

The programme is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Connected Places Catapult. TRIG supports organisations of any size working on early stage, high-risk research and development projects. 

Alongside funding, participants receive business support from specialists at the Catapult, as well as a range of networking and showcasing opportunities across the UK. 

This year's competition is seeking proposals to solve real-world challenges in five areas:

• Maritime Decarbonisation - projects driving rapid decarbonisation to meet net zero targets in the maritime industry while advancing the Government's clean energy ambitions. 
• Freight Innovation - Projects enhancing efficiency and resilience within a multimodal freight system, aiming to stimulate economic growth, ensure value for money, and reduce environmental impact.
• Digital Twins - projects that enable better outcomes in terms of a more connected, resilient and future-proofed network through the use of digital twins. 
• Critical Technologies - Projects that support innovators in critical technologies like AI, advanced connectivity and quantum into the transport sector helping them apply solutions to real world challenges.
• Open Call - Projects which fall outside the targeted challenges listed above, but have potential to make meaningful impact on the UK's transport system and in line with DfT's priorities. 

For more information click here. Application deadline 5th June 2026.