Transport Pathfinder 2023

Do you have an inspirational, life-enhancing idea, prototype, or plan to reimagine how transport options in the UK can better support a rapidly ageing population to stay connected, active, and independent for longer?

Opportunity Details

When

Registration Opens

01/01/2023

Registration Closes

27/02/2023

Award

Up to £120k per project, plus support

Organisation

Innovate UK

Share this opportunity

If you have an inspirational, life-enhancing idea, prototype, or plan to reimagine how transport options in the UK can better support a rapidly ageing population to stay connected, active, and independent for longer, submit an application to Design Age Institute’s new Transport Pathfinder Innovation Programme, with up to £120k available per project.

Interested applicants are encouraged to join a virtual briefing event introducing the programme on 24 January, 11am-1pm (GMT).

About the Programme 

Funded by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agencyDesign Age Institute’s Transport Pathfinder Innovation Programme invites innovators, businesses and entrepreneurs from across the UK to propose transport solutions at ideation stage or beyond that are commercially viable, demonstrate creativity and innovation, and can be supported towards market by investment in good design.

Approximately one third of older people in the UK report unmet travel needs, which worsen with progressing age (Luiu et al, 2016). There is a pressing need for innovation and scalable approaches that can meet the increasing demand for multiple transport options that are safe, affordable, sustainable and desirable.

Whether on foot, wheels or tracks, good design has the potential to help transform how we socialise, work, and navigate the cities, towns, offices, neighbourhoods and homes of our future selves.

Who can apply 

If you are a business, innovator or entrepreneur with an idea that has the potential to positively impact transport for an ageing population at scale, and help to change the narrative on ageing, Design Age Institute can help you to successfully tap into the UK’s growing healthy ageing marketplace.

Awardees will receive:

  • Seed-funding of up to £120k* to undertake the design elements of projects and support projects towards market
  • Design management support and mentoring (not project management) from our team of experts in design for healthy ageing
  • Access to existing research, exclusive insights into the healthy ageing marketplace, and peer-networking
  • Skills development and training opportunities
  • Support to run two research development sessions with end users

* Note that while £120k is the maximum that can be applied for, we are looking for a breadth of entries on cost, and value for money will be a key assessment criterion.

Application support 

Following the virtual briefing event, those interested in progressing to application will be able to book one of two workshop sessions with Design Age Institute’s team to help develop their application.  It is not required to attend a workshop to submit an application, but attendance is highly recommended.

Places are limited so if you would like to express an interest in attending a workshop session please add your details below.  Workshop sessions will not be recorded.

Workshops will be held online on Tuesday 31 January 11am-1pm (GMT) and in person at the Royal College of Art in Battersea on Wednesday 9 February 2022 2-4pm (GMT).

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