Technology Minister Jesse Norman has announced 67 projects developing transport technology, which are receiving a share of £1.96 million in funding as part of the government’s Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG) Programme. A record number of this year’s winning projects are based outside London, with almost 4 in 5 based outside the capital. 

The projects receiving funding include:

• an app that uses augmented reality (AR) to help visually impaired passengers get around rail stations
• remote-controlled robots for deliveries
• kite-powered tug boats to reduce emissions
• drones to deliver packages in hard-to-reach areas

The TRIG programme looks to encourage engineers, academics and innovators to develop ‘blue-skies’ research into real-world solutions to address some of transport’s most pressing issues, such as decarbonisation. This can be a useful way for researchers to take their first steps in creating a new company, helping to grow the economy and create jobs across the UK.

Transport and Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said:

From making travelling easier for visually impaired passengers to improving rural connectivity, these winning projects have the potential to transform the future of transport.

The government wants the UK to be a world leader in the future of transport and, through the TRIG programme, the Department for Transport is supporting innovators and businesses to decarbonise and improve transport while growing the economy and supporting jobs across the UK.