Winners of a £1.4 million competition to transform the transport sector, grow the economy and promote cleaner travel have been announced by the Department for Transport today.
Organisations and academics with innovative ideas could win up to £45,000 in funding to offer sustainable, forward-thinking alternatives and contribute to the government’s aim of efficient and clean travel networks.
Over the last decade, the Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG) programme has invested over £15m to support industries in pursuing new technologies and collaborations – helping deliver key economic growth throughout the country.
How emerging technologies could advance clean travel
This year, proposals were sought that focused on local transport decarbonisation, maritime decarbonisation, and emerging technologies such as AI and drones.
Aviation, Maritime and Security Minister Mike Kane stated: “Innovation is the driving force behind our transport system, and these winning projects are leading the charge by creating cutting-edge travel solutions that could benefit all.
“With sustainability at the core of this year’s competition, we’re helping to shape the future of transport – making travel cleaner, safer and more efficient for everyone.”
Among the groundbreaking projects awarded funding through the government’s TRIG is Vox Aeris, an invention that hopes to use sound waves and music vibrations from a speaker to reduce harmful pollution across transport networks.
Selene Sari, founder and CEO of Vox Aeris, said: “The financial backing, expertise, and network support we’re receiving will be crucial for us to advance to the next stage.
“Having such robust support early in our journey will enable us to move faster and connect with networks that would otherwise be challenging to bring together.”
Innovative projects unlock new benefits
Previous TRIG winners include OpenSpace – a cutting-edge project using digital twinning and AI to tackle rail station disruption.
Using special algorithms created the world’s first real-time simulated environment at St Pancras station to help operators manage people flow, improve safety, and boost customer experience.
TRIG has been running for over a decade, funding more than 430 projects, ranging from better connecting rural communities with a shuttle bus app to trialling the use of hydrogen to make plane and boat journeys greener.
“Innovation in clean travel can unlock many benefits for society, the economy and the environment,” explained Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at Connected Places Catapult.
“The Transport Research and Innovation Grants programme has supported high-potential innovators for a decade, through funding and dedicated business support, helping them realise their commercial potential.”
Today, the Aviation, Maritime and Security Minister is at the Transport Research and Innovation Grant Awards in Birmingham to celebrate last year’s successful winners and see firsthand what the funding can achieve.
See the complete list of TRIG winners for more information.
