Transforming transport with location data: apply for contracts

29 Sep 2020 04:08 PM

Organisations can apply for a share of up to £2 million to explore ways of using geospatial data to tackle a variety of transport challenges.

The Geospatial Commission is to invest up to £2 million in around 30 projects that investigate ways to improve transport integration, capacity, safety and infrastructure.

The commission is an expert committee set up by the Cabinet Office to promote the best use of geospatial data – data about location that has the potential to unlock significant economic, social and environmental value in many fields.

Location data could help to create new transport connections, improve transport logistics and road maintenance, and support autonomous vehicles.

Funding for the competition is from the Geospatial Commission under the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) and managed by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation.

The best and most promising projects could go on to receive between £500,000 and £1 million to prototype their ideas in a second phase of the competition.

Find out more about SBRI.

Projects must tackle a public sector challenge

Projects must identify a public sector lead customer or challenge owner with an interest in the solution. Areas of work could include feasibility studies into integrating transport modes, improving safety, improving supply and delivery chains, increasing capacity, and addressing infrastructure challenges.

Projects must demonstrate an application of geospatial data and/or technology. This could include:

Are you a public body facing a challenge that fits in one of the four themes?

We are looking for public bodies (eg departments, agencies, and local authorities) that can support and engage with projects funded through this competition. This will require a small time commitment in phase 1 and could involve offering support or advice on testing and demonstrating solutions in phase 2.

In return, the public body would have an opportunity to interact with innovative suppliers, and to help shape and trial innovative solutions to transport challenges that they face.

Please consider registering as a lead customer or challenge owner and connect to applicants working on solutions that interest you.

Competition information

Find out more about this competition and apply.