Transport

Transport connects people, places, goods and services. Innovation in transport has the potential to benefit our economy, society and environment. The transport system of the future will be more efficient, cleaner and smarter, through utilising enhanced digital, communication and autonomous technologies.

New design frameworks in our infrastructure have the potential to enhance efficiencies and transform our cities and towns to embrace new micro-mobility concepts. New business models will transform the lives of those in rural areas or create new ways to travel for all by ensuring accessibility.

By collaborating across sectors and furthering our developments in low carbon propulsion systems and fuels we can create a cleaner environment and improve the health of people and the planet.

Read our Perspectives article to learn more about how AI is driving productivity in the transport industry.

To find out more about how we can work with you to drive positive change in transport, contact us.

Our current focus in this area

Connected and Automated Vehicles offer transformational opportunities for safety, access to mobility, lower emissions and increased efficiency and productivity of our transport systems

Aviation is a key pillar in both the UK’s economic and societal prosperity. It supports growth in our tourism industry, increases trade and business investment, and connects people and places both domestically and internationally.

The Decarbonising Ports & Harbours Innovation Network’s overarching objective is to raise the profile of the critical part ports and harbours need to play in Maritime transport’s transition to net zero by 2050 and accelerate this transition by giving clear direction.

Future Flight services and enabling technologies such as AI and electric propulsion will transform how we connect people, transport goods and deliver services in a sustainable way that delivers socio-economic benefits across the UK.

Innovate UK KTN is a member and delivery partner of the Jet Zero Council (JZC) – a partnership between industry and government convening ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver zero-emission transatlantic flight within a generation and 10% sustainable aviation fuel in the UK fuel mix by 2030.

Governments across the globe are working and deploying plans to reduce carbon and particulate emissions to improve the environment for generations to come.

As an island nation the UK has traditionally been a leading player in the global maritime industry.

Micromobility is a trend that’s growing. Innovate UK KTN’s Transport Team is working closely with industry and government to understand the opportunities and the challenges.

Rail is essential to the economic, social and environmental health and growth of the UK, supporting essential travel, commuters, social and leisure travel, healthcare journeys and travel for education purposes. The rail network is the UK’s travel backbone, connecting rural communities to urban areas and facilitating opportunities for all.

Liquid fuels will be a requirement for long-haul air travel in the longer term and a requirement for short haul whilst new technologies such as electric and electric/hybrid are developed. Aviation contributes around 2-3% to global CO2 emissions; through the International Civil Aviation Organization, the industry is committed to carbon neutral growth from 2021.

This Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Supplier Directory has been developed by Innovate UK KTN and Jet Zero Council SAF Delivery Group (JZC SAF DG) members to provide a supply of SAF to customers interested in reducing the carbon footprint of their air travel.

Transport Systems looks holistically across transport modes, infrastructure and control systems (e.g. communication, smart ticketing, remote control & supervision) as well as new business models such as Mobility-as-a-Service.

Related Opportunities

Transport Decarbonisation Demonstrators

Opens: 27/11/2023 Closes: 08/01/2024

UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £2m to work with Local Authorities to develop place-based solutions to transport decarbonisation.

More Information

Horizon Europe: Clean and competitive solutions for all transport modes

Opens: 07/12/2023 Closes: 18/04/2024

Research and innovation across all transport modes sought, for the EU to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and reduce air pollution by 2050

More Information

Launchpad: marine and maritime in the Great South West

Opens: 23/10/2023 Closes: 06/12/2023

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2m for business led projects that grow marine & maritime activities in the Great South West.

More Information

National Highways Hazard Protection on Roads Accelerator 2023

Opens: 08/11/2023 Closes: 31/12/2023

This programme delivered by Connected Places Catapult aims to stimulate innovation around the challenge of protecting road users in England from hazards.

More Information

SBRI: Enhancing medical supply chain resilience with drones

Opens: 01/11/2023 Closes: 20/12/2023

Organisations can apply for a share of £500k to enhance understanding of drone solutions in healthcare supply chains, including NHS logistics.

More Information

Space4Rail ESA open call

Opens: 01/11/2023 Closes: 31/12/2025

Funding to support the use of space-based assets to improve the European Rail system

More Information

Related Events and Recordings

Mon
4
Dec
2023

Horizon Europe webinar - Clean and competitive solutions for all transport modes

10.30 - 12.00 GMT | Online

Recording coming soon
Tue
28
Nov
2023

Transport Decarbonisation Demonstrators Competition Briefing

10.00 - 12.00 | Online

Watch now
Wed
18
Oct
2023

Rail Innovation Exhibition 2023

09.00 - 17.00 | Birmingham

Watch now
See all events

Our Experts

Related News

Innovate UK launches new £2 million, DfT funded competition to help decarbonise local transport

16/11/2023

Innovate UK launches new £2 million, DfT funded competition to help decarbonise local transport

UK businesses can apply for up to £500,000 to run pioneering trials that aim to reduce transport carbon emissions in local areas.

Read more
New funding helps drive HGV decarbonisation in UK

08/11/2023

New funding helps drive HGV decarbonisation in UK

Innovate UK and Department for Transport delivered programme will enable 370 zero emission HGVs to hit the road.

Read more
More News

For general enquiries regarding our Transport sector contact us now

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