Connected Places Catapult has opened applications for a new programme designed to help innovative transport and construction SMEs accelerate commercial growth and bring proven technologies to market.
Funded by Innovate UK, the Scale-Up Support Programme: Transport and Construction will provide tailored support to small and medium-sized businesses that have already demonstrated their technologies in real-world environments but need help securing customers, investment and commercial partnerships.
Helping innovation move beyond the pilot stage
The programme addresses one of the biggest barriers facing the sector: while many technologies successfully complete trials, comparatively few progress to widespread commercial adoption.
Connected Places Catapult said the initiative is aimed at helping high-potential businesses bridge that gap through a package of fully funded support.
Successful applicants will receive scale-up coaching, commercial guidance, investor readiness support, peer learning opportunities and introductions to potential investors and industry partners.
The programme is open to UK-registered SMEs operating in the transport or construction sectors with solutions at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7 to 9, meaning they have already been demonstrated or proven in operational settings and are ready to scale.
Alex Weedon, Enterprise Innovation Director at Connected Places Catapult, said: “The opportunity is not always in inventing something new. It is in helping proven solutions reach the places where they can make a difference.
“This programme will support UK SMEs to take credible innovations forward to commercial adoption, investment and growth.”
Supporting commercial growth
By focusing on businesses that have already validated their technology, the programme aims to accelerate the adoption of innovations that could improve transport infrastructure, construction and the built environment.
The initiative reflects continued efforts by Innovate UK and Connected Places Catapult to strengthen the commercialisation of UK innovation, helping SMEs overcome common barriers to scaling while supporting productivity and economic growth.
Applications are now open and will close at 12pm on 11 September 2026. Eligible businesses can find further information and apply through the Connected Places Catapult programme application page.
