Ideas Elevator on Maritime Decarbonisation
This pilot programme supports early-stage ideas and concepts that could transform clean maritime.
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