UK SMEs given support to commercialise proven solutions

The UK’s innovation agency for transport, construction and data infrastructure, Connected Places Catapult, has today announced the opening of applications for the Scale-Up Support Programme: Transport and Construction.

Funded by Innovate UK, the programme will help high-potential small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) move from promising pilots to strong commercial growth. It is designed to tackle a familiar challenge across transport and construction: proven solutions exist but too often struggle to reach the buyers, partners and investment needed to scale.

Bespoke support

Successful SMEs will receive a tailored package of fully funded support from Connected Places Catapult, including scale up coaching, commercial guidance, investor readiness support, peer learning and introductions to investors and industry stakeholders.

The programme is open to UK registered SMEs, operating in the transport or construction industries, with solutions at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 to 9, meaning they have already been demonstrated or proven in real world operating environments and are ready for their next stage of commercial growth.

Developing commercial applications

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.”

The Scale-Up Support Programme: Transport and Construction is a fully funded programme delivered by Connected Places Catapult and funded by Innovate UK. It supports UK registered SMEs with transport or built environment solutions at TRL 7 to 9, helping them strengthen commercial readiness, access investment support and engage with potential customers, investors and industry stakeholders. Participating businesses must be available to take part at executive level between October 2026 and March 2027.

The Department for Transportation is a strategic partner of Connected Places Catapult, which supports high-potential businesses to scale and succeed in transport and construction. By using its industry partnerships, technical expertise and procurement knowledge, Connected Places Catapult reduces risk, strengthens routes to market and improves access to investment.

Applications are now open and will close on 11th September 2026 at 12:00. SMEs can find out more and apply via the programme application page.