Talented transport tech start-ups to receive funding boost of over £1 million

Latest round of T-TRIG funding is open to entrepreneurs and innovators looking to create a better transport system.

Innovative transport start-ups with a focus on decarbonisation or COVID-19 recovery can bid for a share of over £1 million (£1,010,000) in Department for Transport funding from today (14 September 2020).

Transport-Technology Research and Innovation Grants (T-TRIG), which is now in its 11th round of funding, is open to entrepreneurs and innovators pioneering new ways of creating a better transport system. Over 60% of grants so far have been awarded to SMEs and 30% to universities.

T-TRIG brings together talented start-ups and policymakers at the earliest stages of innovation and by issuing targeted investments of up to £30,000 for each project, the fund aims to help budding entrepreneurs and academics propel their ideas to market quicker.

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said:

As we continue to follow our greenprint for a transport recovery from COVID-19, it is imperative we work with startups at the cutting edge of technology to help us build back more sustainably and today’s competition launch will do exactly that.

That’s why supporting innovation is a priority for this government, as we start to travel again safely while also seeking to solve the complex challenge of decarbonising transport.

Government update continued here.

Competition Scope

There are three challenges within the T-TRIG 2020 programme:

1) Open call – The purpose of the open funding call is to seek innovative ideas that have the potential to address a UK transport challenge, across all modes and technology areas.

2) Decarbonising the Transport System – We are seeking projects that demonstrate innovative technological solutions to deliver decarbonisation from well to wheel, including the infrastructure, vehicles, and systems, both in the UK and overseas.

3) COVID-19 Recovery – The department is seeking innovations that seek to aid in the COVID-19 Recovery within the transport sector, looking at transport modes, passengers and staff.

Why Apply for T-TRIG?


T-TRIG is designed to help innovators try out new transport technology ideas and support the best ones to reach the market.

Key features of T-TRIG:

• 100% grants for SMEs

• Oversight from the DfT Office for Science and Chief Scientific Adviser

• Links to policy contacts within the Department to help you understand how your ideas fit into Government’s priorities

• Follow on support from the Connected Places Catapult including the chance to enter their SME development programme

• The opportunity to take part in DfT Transport-Technology Innovation Showcase events.

Applying for T-TRIG


Applications are now open, visit the catapult website here for more information.