Future transport concepts including an automated boat that could deliver parcels by water have been awarded government funding to support their development.

The self-driving boat will make ‘last blue mile’ parcel deliveries on UK waterways

Decarbonisation, Aviation and Technology Minister Anthony Browne revealed the 41 winning projects of the 2023 Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG) competition, which will share more than £1.8m between them.

The self-driving boat has been conceived by RAD Propulsion, which is creating a prototype that will make ‘last blue mile’ parcel deliveries on UK waterways, aiming to cut road congestion and emissions and improve air quality.

Other projects that will receive backing include an AI tool to manage railway station passenger levels and a hydrogen refuelling system for aircraft. Meanwhile, the University of Strathclyde is using data analysis to identify ideal sites for electric heavy goods vehicle charging infrastructure across Scotland, supporting the industry’s transition to electric.

The projects will help transform the future of transport and boost the UK’s drive to reach its net zero targets.

Anthony Browne said: “We’re at the dawn of a new age for transport – AI can now help tackle universal challenges like station overcrowding or road congestion by using our historic waterways to deliver parcels by self-driving boat.

“These hugely exciting initiatives represent the best of British innovation, showing it’s UK companies, backed by government funding, that are leading the way in this field, creating jobs and boosting our economy.”

TRIG has now been running for a decade, funding more than 400 companies with more than £14m in investment.

This year’s scheme focused on a number of different challenges including airports, local transport and maritime decarbonisation, AI, digital twins, the future of connectivity and the future of freight.

This year’s winning projects are based across the UK. A total of 83% are located outside London, with 56% outside the wider South East region, meaning investment is spread throughout the country.

The grant is delivered in collaboration with the Connected Places Catapult (CPC), the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport and place leadership. A renewed grant funding agreement with the Catapult will begin from 1 April 2024 to ensure the continued delivery of our programmes.