Tech startups developing greener and safer transport solutions can now apply for a share of £1.95m Department for Transport funding.

The Transport Research and Innovation Grants 2021 programme seeks to foster innovation to improve UK transport

Run in partnership with Connected Places Catapult, the Transport Research and Innovation Grants 2021 programme seeks to foster innovation to improve UK transport.

It’s open to SMEs and universities, which can apply for a grant of either sub-£30k or sub-£100k – at least 50 grants are expected to be awarded.

Now in its 11th round of funding, the grant has previously been used to fund projects such as a battery cooling system from QDot that allows drivers to rapid-charge their vehicles without battery packs getting too hot.

The grants have also helped fund a portable EV charger for use at remote locations, such as festivals and tourist attractions. In development by Pragmatex, the device can also be used to ‘concentrate’ mains supply where there is little excess power available – charging the battery slowly from constrained supply and then rapidly transferring this stored energy to a vehicle when/where it can charge rapidly.

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “Backing innovation is a priority for us and I’m delighted to be supporting Britain’s budding entrepreneurs, as they help us to ensure people can travel at ease and to solve the complex task of decarbonising our transport system.

“This is vital as we look ahead to a greener and safer transport future that will create jobs right across the UK.”

More details of the TRIG 2021 competition can be found here. Applications are open until midnight on 7 November.