Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator Cohort 3

Scheme aims to deliver innovative tech across the industry to decarbonise freight and boost the UK supply chain.

The Department for Transport (DfT) and Connected Places Catapult has launched Cohort 3 of the Freight Innovation Fund, a multi-faceted programme which aims to accelerate the adoption of commercially ready solutions into the sector.

The Accelerator will support up to 12 SMEs to trial their solutions in real-world environments to help solve pressing challenges within the freight sector. The SMEs will be selected by the DfT and Connected Places Catapult to join a 6-month programme, where each of them can access up to £150,000 to trial their solutions via a pre-commercial Pilot & Trial contract.

SMEs have two options when applying to the programme:

• Apply to be matched with an industry partner Connected Places Catapult will work with industry partners, who will provide access to testing environments and internal expertise.
• Apply with your own Industry Partner.

Applications will also be welcomed from SMEs who already have a partner they wish to trial their solutions with and can offer access to testbed facilities.

As part of the programme, SMEs will also benefit from trial and business support tailored to their needs. This can include:

• trial design training
• monitoring and evaluation
• investment readiness
• pitch coaching
• marketing support
• business modelling

All applicants will also be able to join the Freight Innovation Cluster, a community for stakeholders operating in the freight industry.

Find out more about the Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator Cohort 3 and how to apply.

Application Support Webinar

Connected Places Catauplt is inviting potential applicants to attend an Application Support Webinar at 10am on Thursday 16 May 2024. The event will include an overview of the programme, challenges, guidance on the application process and live Q&A - find out more and register now.

First published 1 May 2024