Transport-Technology Research Innovation Grants · September 2019 T-TRIG Proof-of-Concept Call 4 2. Decarbonising the Transport System 6 Overview 6 Background 6 Scope – Decarbonising

September 2019

Transport-Technology Research

Innovation Grants

September 2019 Call Specification Connecting People and Places

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Contents

1. Introduction 4

September 2019 T-TRIG Proof-of-Concept Call 4

2. Decarbonising the Transport System 6

Overview 6

Background 6

Scope – Decarbonising the Transport System 6

Budget and Bidding 7

3. Open Call Competition 8

Scope – Open Call 8

Budget and Bidding 8

4. Resilient Infrastructure and Potholes 10

Overview 10

Background 10

Scope – Resilient Infrastructure and Potholes 10

Exploitation and Demonstration 11

Budget and Bidding 11

5. Age Friendly and Accessible Transport 12

Overview 12

Background 12

Scope – Age-Friendly and Accessible Transport 12

Budget and Bidding 13

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1. Introduction

1.1 Transport-Technology Research Innovation Grants (T-TRIG) is a scheme that enables the Department for Transport (DfT) to fully fund proof-of-concept research projects in support of innovative ideas or concepts that facilitate a better transport system. T-TRIG aims to:

• Foster innovation to improve UK transport.

• Generate growth in the transport sector.

• Build links between policy teams in DfT and innovators.

1.2 This document provides details of the scope of the funding calls within the 2019 T-TRIG competition. Applicants are advised to consider these specifications along with the guidance document to ensure the application questions are addressed appropriately.

The scope and size of T-TRIG competitions varies with each round of funding to remain in line with the Department’s needs. Generally, it is formed of an open call and one or more targeted calls in specific areas.

1.3 T-TRIG competitions are suitable for ideas or approaches at the early stages of research or innovation. They provide the opportunity to undertake a proof of concept or develop a feasibility study or, in some areas, test a market.

1.4 Proposals should clearly highlight the innovate and novel aspects of their potential transport solution.

1.5 The solution could well be a completely novel idea or approach. However, approaches or innovations from other areas, applied in a novel way to transport will also be of interest.

September 2019 T-TRIG Competitions

1.6 The September 2019 T-TRIG scheme will comprise of four separate calls. Each call has been allocated its own budget.

Theme Indicative Number of Projects

Indicative Funding

Decarbonising the Transport System

13 £390k

Open Call 7 £210k

Potholes and Resilient Infrastructure

5 £150k

Age-friendly and Accessible Transport

7 £210k

Total 32 projects; £960k 

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1.7 All funding calls will use the same application form and assessment criteria.

1.8 All applications must be innovative and focussed on science, engineering or technology to solve a transport challenge.

1.9 Each individual application can only be submitted to one of the above funding calls.

1.10 Projects supported through this T-TRIG funding call must deliver a robust assessment of the transport benefits that their proposals can bring. Successful applications will need to clearly demonstrate the following:

• What transport challenge(s) the innovation is aiming to solve.

• Evidence of state-of-the-art innovation being carried out in practice.

• That the team has the skills and expertise to deliver the project plan.

• The project will deliver tangible transport and/or commercial opportunities for the UK.

1.11 Applicants making more than one application will need to demonstrate an ability to deliver the projects concurrently.

1.12 T-TRIG encourages applications from any type of organisation and from individuals. The application form has been designed to be light touch, to lower barriers to entry and promote the inclusion of SMEs. The Department seeks genuinely innovative solutions and would welcome bids from ‘non-transport’ organisations or consortia that can see a role for their technologies, tools and approaches in delivering benefits in this space.

1.13 Applicants should consider and incorporate accessibility within their project specifications for all funding calls.

1.14 Post-funding support will be available in the form of the services of the Connected Places Catapult and opportunities to work with DfT and our Arm’s Length Bodies. Plans for post funding exploitation will be discussed at kick-off meetings for successful applications.

1.15 The budgets above are indicative. Some flexibility will be applied, depending on the level of high-quality applications submitted against each theme.

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2. Decarbonising the Transport System

Overview

2.1 This specification details the scope of the Decarbonising the Transport System funding call and those aspects which are out of scope.

2.2 If applying to this targeted funding call, applicants are advised to consider this specification along with the guidance document to ensure the application questions are addressed.

2.3 Project applications should describe how the proposed solution will decarbonise the transport system. This includes all modes of transport – road, rail, aviation and maritime - and intermodal or cross-modal ideas.

2.4 Applicants should consider and incorporate accessibility within their project specifications.

Background

2.5 Transport’s contribution to carbon emissions is now the largest of any sector in the UK - while other sectors such as energy have significantly reduced their emissions since 1990, transport’s emissions have remained stable. Consequently, decarbonisation is one of the DfTs greatest challenges and is closely aligned with the Industrial Strategy’s Clean Growth and Future of Mobility Grand Challenges.

2.6 Low carbon and net zero emission transport is fertile ground innovations which lead to growth.

Scope – Decarbonising the Transport System

2.7 The Department is running a competition which could fund projects to either develop an initial prototype, a proof of concept or a feasibility study that demonstrates the potential to decarbonise one or more aspects of the transport system.

2.8 We are seeking projects that demonstrate innovative technological solutions to deliver decarbonisation from well to wheel, including the infrastructure, vehicles, and systems, both in the UK and overseas.

2.9 We will consider any science or technology that could enhance reduce carbon emissions from any component of the Transport System. For example, this could include:

• better utilisation or recovery of energy,

• low carbon fuel generation,

• low carbon construction techniques or carbon sequestering materials.

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• new maritime fuels and propulsion, including ammonia or new wind and new port innovations such as hydrogen bunkering and quay-side power,

• electrification for short-sea and inland shipping,

• solutions to support decarbonisation of road and rail freight,

• low carbon last-mile solutions.

This is not intended to be a limiting set of criteria, and any innovative use of technology in the decarbonisation of transport will be considered.

2.10 The following examples are out of scope for this funding call:

• Capability demonstrations of currently marketed or existing technology

• Ideas which impact transport by generating low carbon electricity, such as photovoltaic rooves on train stations

• E-scooters, which cannot currently be used legally in public places

Projects must have an innovative aspect, although this does include products being used in innovative ways, outside of their original intended use.

Budget and Bidding

2.11 Applicants can apply for a project grant of up to £30,000.

2.12 The budget available for the decarbonisation funding call is approximately £390,000. We are looking for up to 13 projects; however, the final number of projects funded will depend on the number of quality applications received, value-for-money, and the policy needs of DfT.

2.13 Applicants are encouraged to consider the scoring matrix in the development of their proposal to ensure the development of credible bids.

2.14 Applicants may only submit one application to the decarbonisation call.

2.15 Applicants are encouraged to consider the scoring criteria, set out in the T-TRIG 2019 Application Guidance document, in the development of their proposal to ensure bids are credible - especially in terms of innovation, impact, and value for money of the proposal.

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3. Open Call

Scope – Open Call

3.1 The purpose of the open funding call is to seek innovative ideas that have the potential to address a UK transport challenge, across all modes and technology areas.

3.2 It should be noted that although the open funding call is available to solutions to all transport challenges, applicants should consider their proposals within the context of DfT’s priorities and the Industrial Strategy Grand Challenges.

3.3 Further guidance on innovation in aviation can be found chapter 8 of the Aviation 2050 consultation.

3.4 Projects must clearly articulate what challenge or unmet need is being addressed. The solution to this challenge must be innovative and have a strong science, engineering or technology focus.

3.5 A fully competent team should be able to deliver the aims and objectives of the study. A credible project plan and risk assessment should be presented. Risk mitigation measures should be suitably identified.

3.6 Clear consideration should be given to the broader impact of the work and how additional funding to take the product to the next level will be achieved.

3.7 Applicants should consider and incorporate accessibility within their project specifications.

3.8 The following examples are out of scope for this funding:

• Capability demonstrations of currently marketed or existing technology

• E-scooters, which cannot currently be used legally in public places

Projects must have an innovative aspect, although this does include products being used in innovative ways, outside of their original intended use.

Budget and Bidding

3.9 Applicants can apply for a project grant of up to £30,000.

3.10 The budget available for the open funding call is approximately £210,000. We are looking to fund around 7 projects; however, this will depend on the quality of applications.

3.11 Applicants are encouraged to consider the scoring matrix in the development of their proposal to ensure the development of credible bids.

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4. Resilient Infrastructure and Potholes

Overview

4.1 This specification is for applicants who wish to apply for the targeted funding call on Resilient Infrastructure and Potholes.

4.2 If applying to this targeted funding call, applicants are advised to consider this specification along with the guidance document to ensure the application questions are addressed.

4.3 This call will fund research into developing new solutions and approaches to the perennial problem of potholes in our roads; and ideas which improve transport infrastructure more widely and which will provide tangible and impactful benefits.

Background

4.4 Potholes are a large-scale problem and cost local authorities and others large amounts to rectify. Ideas which prevent potholes or make them easier to deal with could have large benefits for the whole of the UK.

4.5 Resilient Infrastructure represents an exciting area of research with potential to change the performance of assets and reduce costs, by taking advantage of various emerging technologies.

4.6 Maintenance is one of the top challenges the UK’s road network and there is the potential for innovative solutions for these areas, to deliver more joined-up and seamless multi-modal solutions which will make better use of travellers’ time.

4.7 This targeted T-TRIG funding call seeks to support the creation of new innovative solutions in this area, ensuring that the UK is able to capitalise on this new technology, ensuring that UK roads deliver more for the public.

4.8 We work closely with Highways England to provide opportunities to test the best ideas on national assets, including test beds.

Scope – Resilient Infrastructure and Potholes

4.9 This targeted funding call is to stimulate ideas generation around Resilient Infrastructure and Potholes.

4.10 The Department will fund genuinely innovative projects designed to support the development of a prototype, proof of concept, or feasibility study. Examples of proposals which are in scope for this project include:

• Robotic systems to remediate the road surface

• Novel pavement which resists potholing

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• Systems for identifying and characterising potholes

4.11 Applicants should consider and incorporate accessibility within their project specifications.

Exploitation and Demonstration

4.12 For successful projects, the grant recipients will be invited to engage with Highways England’s Innovation Programme which can help innovators by:

• Partnering with Tier 1 suppliers for limited implantation trials

• Offering opportunities to compete for further developmental funding;

Budget and Bidding

4.13 Applicants can apply for a project grant of up to £30,000.

4.14 The budget available for the Resilient Infrastructure and Potholes funding is approximately £150,000. We are looking for up to 5 projects; however, the final number of projects funded will depend on the number of high-quality of applications, value-for-money, and the policy needs of DfT.

4.15 Applicants may only submit one application to the Resilient Infrastructure and Pot Hole call.

4.16 Applicants are encouraged to consider the scoring criteria, set out in the Guidance document, in the development of their proposal to ensure bids are credible - especially in terms of innovation, impact, and value for money of the proposal.

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5. Age Friendly and Accessible Transport

Overview

5.1 This specification details the scope of competition for the Age-Friendly and Accessible Transport funding call and those aspects which are out of scope.

5.2 If applying to this targeted funding call, applicants are advised to consider this specification along with the guidance document to ensure the application questions are addressed.

5.3 This is a standalone funding call for innovative solutions to demonstrate potential applications for improving access to transport by the differently able and older people.

5.4 Project applications should describe how the proposed solution will contribute to access to transport for those passengers and users and include detail of subsidiary benefits such as safety, reduced cost, improved efficiency, reduced emissions and wider environmental benefits or enhanced situational awareness.

Background

5.5 In July 2018, the DfT published its Inclusive Transport Strategy, which aims to improve accessibility across all types of travel for those with both visible and less visible disabilities.

5.6 The Healthy Aging Grand Challenge recognises that our population is aging, and this brings significant challenges for society. Transport and access to transport can have profound impact on health and wellbeing for all ages, and this funding call is focused on solutions to the challenges of accessibility and ageing.

Scope – Age-Friendly and Accessible Transport

5.7 The DfT is running a competition which could fund projects to either develop an initial prototype, a proof of concept or a feasibility study that demonstrates improvements in accessibility.

5.8 We are seeking projects that demonstrate the innovative technological solutions to deliver accessibility, including the infrastructure, vehicles, and systems, both in the UK and overseas.

5.9 We will consider any science or technology that could enhance accessibility across all modes including:

o Increasing opportunities for disabled people to travel as freely as non-disabled people - Safely, Comfortably & Confidently

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• Helping to reduce loneliness (unwilling social isolation) especially targeted at younger and older people.

• Enabling older people, and people with dementia and related cognitive impairments, to continue to travel independently, safely and confidently for longer.

• Supporting people with learning difficulties to travel with confidence.

• Reducing factors that increase anxiety associated with travel, particularly considering the needs of people currently experiencing poor mental health or chronic travel related anxiety.

5.10 The following examples are out of scope for this funding call:

• Capability demonstrations of currently marketed or existing technology

• Ideas which offer only incremental updates to existing capability

5.11 Projects must have an innovative aspect, although this does include products being used in innovative ways, outside of their original intended use.

Budget and Bidding

5.12 Applicants can apply for a project grant of up to £30,000.

5.13 The budget available for the Age-Friendly and Accessible Transport funding call is approximately £210,000. We are looking for up to 7 projects; however, the final number of projects funded will depend on the number of high-quality of applications, value-for-money, and the policy needs of DfT.

5.14 Applicants may only submit one application to the Age-Friendly and Accessible Transport funding call.

5.15 Applicants are encouraged to consider the scoring criteria, set out in the Guidance document, in the development of their proposal to ensure bids are credible - especially in terms of innovation, impact, and value for money of the proposal.