The Department for Transport, in conjunction with Connected Places Catapult, has launched a competition to find business ideas for AI-based solutions to enhancing passenger experience in transport.
The “Enhancing Passenger Experience – AI in Transport” competition offers funding to initiatives that help the government meet its objectives with respect to the recently announced Integrated National Transport Strategy.
Open to SMEs, bidders will submit a use case proposal and successful applicants will work closely with government and industry stakeholders to develop a business case and pitch, as well as the chance to develop the idea.
Improving bus services and growing patronage is among the themes listed.
The competition overview states: “In alignment with the government’s key priorities for transport, this competition focuses on how AI can enhance passenger experience across the UK’s transport networks.
“We are seeking innovative solutions in the form of use case proposals that address the most pressing challenges faced by passengers/transport users, aiming to create more reliable, efficient, and accessible transport systems.”
Those accepted onto phase one will receive up to £2,000 to develop their case into an early-stage business case and pitch deck.
Those successful for phase two will receive professional pitch training and will then pitch their solution to a panel of government representatives.
The ultimate package for those accepted onto phase three is worth £13,000 in order to refine and develop the business case and pitch the solution to a panel of senior transport leaders at Connected Places Catapult’s Summit event on 19 March 2025.
When applying, bidders will need to select up to two of the following priorities that their AI-driven solution complements:
- Improving Performance on the Railways and Driving Forward Rail Reform
- Improving Bus Services and Growing Usage Across the Country
- Transforming Infrastructure to Promote Social Mobility and Tackle Regional Inequality
- Delivering Greener Transport
- Better Integrating Transport Networks
Click here for full details and to enter.
