Transport Research and Innovation Grants 2021

The Department for Transport (DfT), in partnership with Connected Places Catapult, is offering Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG 2021) to fully fund proof-of-concept research projects in support of innovative ideas or concepts that facilitate a better transport system.

The TRIG Programme aims to;

• Foster innovation to improve UK transport.
• Generate growth in the transport sector.
• Build links between policy teams in DfT and innovators.

While the competition encourages applications with innovative ideas across all areas of transport as part of our traditional open call, some grant funding has been ringfenced for projects addressing COVID-19 Recovery and Resilient Transport Systems, Maritime Decarbonisation and Future of Freight challenges.

Under TRIG 2021, SMEs and universities can apply for a grant of either ≤£30k or ≤£100k. We anticipate awarding at least 50 grants in total. For the £30k grant, we would expect applicants to progress their technology from TRL 2 (basic research) to TRL 4 (proof of concept/small scale prototype). For the larger £100k grant within the Future of Freight challenge, we would expect technologies to start at TRL 2 and progress to a higher level of technological development - TRL 5 - by the end of the project delivery period. This will include operational testing of the technology within its intended environment.

TRIG competitions are designed to de-risk the development of novel technology and will support the most promising and beneficial products as they launch within their intended markets.

Key features of TRIG:

• It is 100% funded
• Technical and commercial oversight is available from DfT,

Connected Places Catapult and their partners

• Participation in workshop activities with other projects and Government organisations is encouraged
• Follow on support is available from the Connected Places Catapult, including the chance for SMEs participating to enter their SME development programme
• The opportunity to take part in showcasing events designed to attract onward investment and collaboration.