Following the announcement on 17 April that the latest round of the DfT’s Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG), delivered by the Connected Places Catapult, is now open, ACE is pleased to see that £1.3 million of funding has been earmarked following successful outcomes from last year’s funding. 

ACE recognises the significant importance of innovation and technological advancement in the transport space, and we encourage our members working on exciting solutions to UK transport challenges to apply for funding if their project meets the criteria. 

In 2023, following input from the Transport and Mobility Advocacy Group, ACE submitted evidence to the Transport Committee’s inquiry into the Future of Transport Data, setting out the transformative potential of innovation and advanced data-driven technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, and sensor networks. ACE members are at the forefront of this revolution, and are keen to utilise support from the Government through schemes such as the TRIG. 

Our Transport Group champions mobility and connectivity, shaping ACE’s interactions with policymakers, supporting evidence-based thought-leadership and ensuring our industry is at the forefront of political discussions on the future of our transport networks. ACE’s 2023 Manifesto, developed in collaboration with the Transport Group, called for strengthened financial incentives for innovation in the transport sector and an environment in which businesses can experiment and test their innovations. We are pleased to see that Government has followed this recommendation by reopening the TRIG. 

Graham Pointer, Chair of the Transport Group, says: “By developing innovative solutions and embracing technological advancements, transport professionals working in the built environment are at the forefront of the UK’s efforts to tackle major challenges including the decarbonisation of transport and the need to increase connectivity. 

It is positive to see DfT and Connected Places Catapult continuing to support innovators in the transport space, and in my role as Chair of the Transport Group I strongly encourage colleagues with big ideas to take advantage of this opportunity.” 

To get involved with the Transport Group and for more information on transport policy at ACE, please contact Holly Moore, policy and advocacy officer. 

TRIG 24 Application Support and Information webinar registration