Ideas Elevator on Maritime Decarbonisation

Funding for early-stage ideas that support maritime decarbonisation

Connected Places Catapult is accepting applications to The Ideas Elevator: Maritime Decarbonisation programme, backed by the Department for Transport (DfT). This pilot programme supports very early-stage ideas (Technology Readiness Levels 1 to 2) that could help reduce emissions in the maritime sector.

It is open to UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and researchers from UK universities.

Successful applicants will receive:

• expert feedback to develop their idea
• support to create and improve a pitch
• training to present their idea effectively
• the chance to present at a Pitch Day to DfT and industry experts

The strongest ideas will be fast-tracked to an interview for Transport Research and Innovation Grants funding.

Challenge areas

Your proposal should address one of the following:

• safe use of low and zero emission maritime fuels
• improving vessel efficiency using data or new technologies
• preparing ports for low-carbon and multi-modal operations
• measuring and reducing emissions across ports and vessels
• creating reliable data to support investment in decarbonisation

Applications close at midday on Friday 8 May 2026.

Interested applicants should carefully review all supporting documentation before submitting their application. Find details on The Ideas Elevator: Maritime Decarbonisation programme.

First published 27 February 2026