Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG)
The Department for Transport and its delivery partner Connected Places Catapult support innovators through Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) developing innovative ideas to shape a safer, greener, accessible, and more resilient transport network.
- Opening date: (Midnight)
- Closing date: (Midday)
Contents
Summary
TRIG occupies a distinctive position in the market of innovation programmes. Previous participants described the programme as a strong launchpad for early-stage ideas, particularly through the validation and strategic feedback they received from experts at DfT and Connected Places Catapult.
Participating in TRIG means you’ll join a dynamic community of innovators and benefit from:
Up to £45,000 grant funding per project – No matching fund required, but possible
A simple and accessible programme experience
Monthly virtual meetings with DfT’s policy lead
One-to-one mentoring for a selection of cohort members
In-person events every three months across the UK
Virtual pitching and learning sessions
Access to CPC's community platform with fresh content published every month
Support from TRIG's Advisory Board Members
Visibility on CPC's Innovation Directory, articles and events
Eligibility
TRIG funds innovative ideas* to solve real-world transport challenges.
*Our definition of an innovative idea is a concept that addresses an unresolved problem or offers a more sustainable or cost effective solution than existing approaches. Your solution may already exist in another sector or transport mode, but it must be adapted for application in the targeted transport mode for the first time.
The project must be:
At Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 – 4 (basic research- Proof of concept/small scale prototype) at time of application and can develop until TRL 5 (tested in the relevant environment) at the end of the programme
Fully delivered and deployed in the UK
Organisations must be:
UK registered
Public, private or third sector of any size
Additional considerations:
The organisations should not exceed the Minimum Financial Assistance threshold as a result of TRIG funding
Previous TRIG applicants and winners can reapply with a different idea
Large organisations must provide justification for the use of public funds to support the project
Read our application guidance carefully
Projects must identify a clear lead applicant. Applications from consortia are also welcome
Objectives
We are looking for innovative ideas at Technology Readiness 2-4 across 5 areas:
Maritime Decarbonisation
Seeking projects driving rapid decarbonisation to meet the Net Zero targets in the maritime industry while advancing the government’s clean energy ambitions.
Freight Innovation
Seeking 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
Seeking projects that enable better outcomes in terms of more connected, resilient and future-proofed network through digital twins.
Critical Technologies
Seeking projects to support innovators in critical technologies like AI, advanced connectivity, and quantum into the transport sector helping them apply their solutions to real-world challenges.
Open Call
Seeking projects which fall outside the targeted challenges but have potential to make meaningful impact on the UK’s transport system and with DfT’s priorities.
Dates
On 19 May 2026, CPC will hold a support webinar to give applicants the opportunity to find out more about the programme offering, challenges, application process, scoring criteria, and the assessment process.
Further details and registration can be found through the link provided.