The Department for Transport has today [12 December] announced a fund totalling £1.85 million available to start-ups that are developing ‘transport technologies of the future’.
There are five categories in which a start-up can apply for these funds, as well as an open call for any transport-related project. Two of the funding calls directly relate to the logistics sector: ‘maritime decarbonisation’ and the ‘future of freight’.
While the first obviously refers to innovation that can reduce the carbon emissions of maritime transport, the second is much broader. The ‘future of freight’ category shares its name with the government plan to reduce emissions and improve efficiency within the logistics sector.
Industrial and academic applicants can apply for a share of the £1.85 million and, if successful, will be able to use this funding to support the research and development of technology that may revolutionise transport and logistics in the UK.
As many as 60 projects could receive funding, with the Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG) programme having supported nearly 300 projects with over £10 million in funding since it was set up in 2014.
Previous winners include Lenz Labs, for the development of magnetic technology to improve the reliability of rail services in the rain and snow, and Unitrove, for producing a system for managing hydrogen storage and distribution at ports to help the maritime sector decarbonise shipping.
Nicola Yates OBE, Connected Places Catapult Chief Executive, said: “The TRIG 2022 call is focused on finding the next wave of state-of-the-art transport solutions, enabling the creative innovators to propel us along the road to a greener future whilst driving growth.”
