Back to all news
Transport Research and Innovation Grants: New Round Open for UK Projects
A new round of the Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme is now open, offering funding and support for early-stage ideas that could help shape the future of transport in the UK.
Funded by the Department for Transport and delivered by Connected Places Catapult, TRIG supports organisations developing innovative solutions to transport challenges. The programme is designed to help projects move from early concept stage towards proof of concept, testing or prototype development.
Grants of up to £45,000 per project are available, with up to £2.385 million expected to support around 53 projects in this round. The current competition closes at 12 noon on Friday 5 June 2026.
What kind of projects can apply?
TRIG is aimed at early-stage projects that are at Technology Readiness Levels 2 to 4 when they apply, with the potential to progress towards TRL 5 by the end of the programme. Projects must be delivered and deployed in the UK.
This round is inviting proposals across five priority areas:
- Maritime Decarbonisation
- Freight Innovation
- Digital Twins
- Critical Technologies
- Open Call projects that support wider Department for Transport priorities
Funding can support feasibility studies, proof-of-concept work and prototypes tested in laboratory or relevant real-world environment
Who can apply?
Applications are open to UK-registered organisations from the public, private and third sectors. This includes charities, social enterprises, community organisations, SMEs, universities, research organisations and larger businesses. Consortia can also apply, provided there is a clear lead applicant.
This could be a useful opportunity for VCSE organisations working in areas such as community transport, accessibility, inclusion, environmental sustainability, rural connectivity, active travel, or support for people who experience barriers to using transport.
What support is available?
Alongside grant funding, successful applicants will be able to access non-financial support including monthly virtual meetings with Department for Transport policy leads, virtual pitching and learning sessions, a community platform, guidance from advisory board members and, for selected cohort members, one-to-one mentoring
Key deadline
The deadline for applications is Friday 5 June 2026 at 12 noon.
There is also an application support webinar taking place on Tuesday 19 May 2026 at 3pm, hosted by Connected Places Catapult and the Department for Transport.
Find out more and apply
VCSE organisations with innovative ideas that could help make transport greener, safer, more accessible or more resilient are encouraged to review the guidance and consider whether this opportunity could support their work.
Visit the original funder page: Transport Research and Innovation Grants
