Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for transport, construction and infrastructure, has today announced 20 companies selected across two programmes as part of the Freight Innovation Fund.
Funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by the Catapult, the Freight Innovation Fund is focussed on accelerating the adoption of commercial solutions to address challenges in the UK’s freight and logistics sector.
This year, the DfT has extended the Fund to enable more support for companies with market-ready technologies and further engage the wider industry through the Freight and Logistics Innovation Network.
The companies announced today have been selected as part of two of the Fund’s programmes. The Fund’s Accelerator programme sees ten innovators team up with industry partners to conduct trials, with the aim of proving their solution in an operational environment.
The Fund’s Venture Growth programme will give a further ten later-stage companies funded support from experts at the Catapult, helping them strengthen their commercial proposition and scale.
Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics, Keir Mather, said:
“The freight and logistics industry is crucial to keeping Britain moving, so it’s important that it’s supported and well-equipped to meet modern-day demands.
“This year’s extended funding and growth programme means even more companies will be able to invest in new technology and innovative solutions that will not only make a big difference to the sector but contribute to the growth of our economy too.”
Sameer Savani, Transport and Infrastructure Managing Director at Connected Places Catapult said:
“Freight and logistics are vital to the UK economy. By working to support the development and adoption of new technologies in these sectors, we can tackle key challenges, attract private capital, and secure long-term economic growth.
“With the backing of DfT, buy-in from our industry partners, and the commercial know-how of my colleagues at the Catapult, we are well positioned to accelerate the route to market for these high-potential firms. Congratulations to all selected.”
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