Smarter Transport Systems AI Competition
The Department for Transport (DfT), in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult, is seeking innovative AI solutions that can revolutionise transport, delivering faster, cleaner, and more affordable journeys for everyone. This competition explores how Artificial Intelligence can optimise planning, automate processes, and enhance decision-making across the UK’s transport system.
Overview
The Government has recently published its Transport Artificial Intelligence Action Plan, which sets out how DfT will work with the transport sector to exploit the opportunities from AI while managing potential risks.
Advances in AI mean that there are exciting new opportunities to further digitalise and integrate existing systems with innovative AI-driven solutions that can drive efficiency, enhance sustainability, and ensure that the UK transport system is future-ready.
This competition seeks real-world examples of AI applications that demonstrate scalability, practical feasibility, and measurable outcomes, all aimed towards creating a smarter transport system.
Phase One
Up to 25 applicants will receive up to £1,000 to develop their use cases over a two-week period in January 2026.
Duration: 2 weeks | Funding: £1,000
Phase Two
Approximately 10 shortlisted participants will be invited to pitch their solution to a panel of experts and senior leaders in London in early March 2026.
Duration: 1 month | Funding: in-kind support
Phase Three
Up to 3 finalists will each receive a grant of up to £13,000 to develop a business case over three months (April – July 2026), plus a presenting opportunity at Connected Places Catapult’s Connected Summit (18-19 March 2026).
Duration: 4 months | Funding: £13,000
Open call closes: Friday 21 November 2025 12:00pm
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