Develop and test your solutions in real-world environments to help solve pressing challenges within the freight sector.
The Department for Transport (DfT) with Connected Places Catapult has launched the fourth cohort of the Freight Innovation Fund, a multi-faceted programme which will accelerate the adoption of commercially ready solutions into the sector.
Accelerator will support up to 15 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop a trial to test their solutions in real-world environments to help solve pressing challenges within the freight sector.
Following the first stage where up to 15 SMEs will be selected for the programme and receive £20,000 to develop a detailed trial proposal, up to 10 will then be selected by DfT and Connected Places Catapult to receive further up to £130,000 to deliver their trial via a pre-commercial Pilot & Trial contract.
To foster a collaborative and mutually beneficial partnership, SMEs are expected to contribute 30% of the total project cost as matching funds.
SMEs have two options when applying to the programme
- apply to be matched with an industry partner
- apply with your own industry partner
As part of the programme, SMEs will also benefit from trial and business support tailored to their needs, such as trial design training, monitoring and evaluation, investment readiness, pitch coaching, marketing support, and business modelling.
- Planet-focused freight – Innovations and interventions targeting decarbonisation and nature’s health in order to climate-proof the inter-modal freight sector.
- Circular design – Solutions and services adopting circular design principles to allow the freight sector to reuse, retrofit, recycle and upcycle vehicles, machines, technologies and waste.
- Freight optimisation & efficiency – Next generation technologies to make inter-modal logistics and freight less wasteful, more efficient and collaborative.
- People in freight – Innovations, trainings and services that shape healthy, diverse, inclusive and safe workplaces and communities.
Find out more about the Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator 2025 and how to apply.
Applications will close on Monday 9 June 2025.
First published 12 May 2025
