- Connected Places Catapult, funded by Innovate UK, launches the first Transport Accelerator: Maritime to support SMEs with innovative maritime and transport solutions.
- The programme invites ideas in automation, future fuel distribution, and port safety, with up to £20,000 available per SME for four-month trials.
- This programme follows the success of the previous Maritime Accelerator, which supported 22 SMEs and delivered nine trials.
Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for transport, infrastructure, and urban development, has opened applications for its inaugural Transport Accelerator: Maritime programme. Funded by Innovate UK, the initiative focuses on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with cutting-edge solutions that address current and emerging needs in the maritime and broader transport industries.
Focus Areas and Challenges
The accelerator is seeking proposals from SMEs that tackle three key maritime challenges:
- Automating the operation of plant and machinery
- Storing and distributing future fuels
- Enhancing safety within port environments
These challenges reflect ongoing priorities in driving technological transformation, sustainability, and operational safety across maritime infrastructure.
Strategic Partnerships
The programme is backed by a robust consortium of industry and academic partners, including Serco, Port of Tyne, National Shipbuilding Office, University of Plymouth, Portsmouth International Port, Royal Navy Maritime Enterprise, and Maersk. These partners will provide either trial support or mentoring to selected SMEs based on the nature of their solutions.
Programme Benefits for SMEs
Each SME accepted into the programme will receive:
- Up to £20,000 in funding to support pilot trials lasting four months
- Tailored commercial support through a business needs assessment, including:
- Market analysis
- Value proposition development
- Strategic pricing
- Financial planning
- Communication and outreach strategies
Legacy and Future Outlook
Building on the achievements of its previous Maritime Accelerator, which supported 22 SMEs and facilitated nine trials over the past three years, the new Transport Accelerator: Maritime aims to further accelerate innovation, collaboration, and industry impact.
Official Statements
Richard Holland, Head of Maritime at Connected Places Catapult, stated:
“We are delighted to be launching the Transport Accelerator: Maritime to help take forward innovative solutions which accelerate autonomous operations, develop new ways to store and distribute future fuels, and improve safety in and around ports.”
He also emphasized the importance of cross-sector innovation:
“SMEs bring incredible potential for technological advancements and knowledge transfer. We encourage applications not only from maritime-focused firms, but also from those in other sectors whose innovations can address maritime challenges.”
With significant funding, expert mentoring, and strategic partnerships, the Transport Accelerator: Maritime presents a prime opportunity for SMEs to scale their innovations and drive meaningful change in the maritime industry.
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Source: Catapult
