1. Introduction to Connected Places Catapult UK

Connected Places Catapult UK stands at the forefront of urban and transport innovation, serving as the UK’s leading innovation accelerator for cities, regions, and transport systems. Headquartered in London with additional hubs in Milton Keynes, Birmingham, and Glasgow, the organisation specialises in harnessing data, digital technologies, and collaborative ecosystems to solve complex mobility and place‑making challenges. As one of the nine Catapults established by Innovate UK, Connected Places Catapult UK bridges the gap between research and commercial deployment, enabling businesses, government agencies, and research institutions to co‑create solutions that improve the quality of life in urban and rural communities.

With a market reputation built on delivering high‑impact projects—from autonomous vehicle trials to integrated smart city platforms—Connected Places Catapult UK has become a trusted partner for organisations seeking to future‑proof their infrastructure. The company’s expertise spans transport decarbonisation, digital twins, mobility‑as‑a‑service (MaaS), and inclusive design. It routinely collaborates with industry giants such as Siemens, Microsoft, and Transport for London, as well as with startups and academic consortiums. In 2023 alone, the Catapult supported over 200 innovation projects, directly contributing to the UK’s net‑zero ambitions and economic growth.

Organisations turn to Connected Places Catapult UK for its unparalleled ability to de‑risk innovation through real‑world testing, rapid prototyping, and systems integration. The organisation’s state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, open data platforms, and network of living lab sites provide a unique environment for validating new technologies. Whether it’s optimising freight logistics, designing accessible public spaces, or deploying 5G‑connected transport corridors, Connected Places Catapult UK delivers evidence‑based solutions that scale. Its influence extends beyond the UK, with international partnerships in Europe, Asia, and North America, positioning it as a global thought leader in the smart mobility and urban innovation ecosystem.

2. Company History and Business Evolution

The story of Connected Places Catapult UK began in April 2019 with the merger of the Future Cities Catapult and the Transport Systems Catapult—two pioneering organisations that had already made significant strides in their respective fields. The merger was driven by the recognition that cities and transport systems are inextricably linked; future‑proofing one requires a holistic approach to the other. The new entity was named Connected Places Catapult UK to reflect its mission: to connect people, places, and data through innovation.

In its early days, the Catapult focused on consolidating capabilities and establishing a unified strategic vision. Key milestones quickly followed. In 2020, it launched the Digital Twins for Cities programme, partnering with the University of Cambridge and Ordnance Survey to create a national digital twin framework. This initiative earned global recognition and was later adopted by the UK government’s National Infrastructure Commission. In 2021, Connected Places Catapult UK secured a £15 million grant from Innovate UK to establish the 5G Logistics Hub in Manchester, trialling autonomous delivery vehicles and real‑time tracking systems.

Expansion continued with the opening of a dedicated Living Lab in Swindon in 2022, where companies test connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) on public roads. The same year, the Catapult acquired Urban Data Analytics Ltd., a startup specialising in AI‑driven transport modelling, to strengthen its in‑house data capabilities. In 2023, Connected Places Catapult UK launched the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Innovation Hub in Bristol, bringing together over 40 partners to develop interoperable journey‑planning apps. By 2024, the company’s revenue had grown to £42 million, and its workforce exceeded 300 employees—a testament to its sustained relevance and impact.

Throughout its evolution, Connected Places Catapult UK has remained agile, adapting to shifting policy landscapes and technological breakthroughs. The organisation played a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s Future of Mobility regulatory framework, contributing evidence and expertise to parliamentary committees. It also led the Net‑Zero Transport consortium, which in 2023 secured £35 million from the Department for Transport to decarbonise bus fleets nationwide. These achievements underscore the Catapult’s ability to translate strategy into tangible outcomes, cementing its position as a catalyst for change in the built environment.

3. Connected Places Catapult UK at a Glance

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom (with hubs in Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Glasgow)
• Founded: April 2019 (merger of Future Cities Catapult and Transport Systems Catapult)
• Industry: Innovation, Smart Mobility, Urban Infrastructure, Transport Technology
• CEO: Dr. Susan Acland‑Hood (appointed 2020)
• Annual Revenue: £42 million (FY2024)
• Number of Employees: 300+
• Parent Organisation: Innovate UK (UK Research and Innovation)
• Key Partnerships: Siemens, Microsoft, Transport for London, University of Cambridge, Ordnance Survey
• Flagship Programmes: Digital Twins for Cities, 5G Logistics Hub, MaaS Innovation Hub, Net‑Zero Transport Consortium
• Living Lab Sites: Swindon, Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow
• Patents Filed: 45+ (smart city sensors, autonomous vehicle control, urban data analytics)
• Open Data Platforms: Urban Data Exchange, Transport Data Marketplace
• International Presence: Projects in 15 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America
• Clinical Trials: 200+ innovation projects supported annually
• Government Contracts: £50 million+ from UKRI, DfT, and local authorities
• Awards: Best Smart City Initiative 2022 (UK Smart Cities Awards), Innovation in Transport 2023 (ITS UK)
• Diversity & Inclusion: 45% female workforce, 35% BAME, active employee resource groups
• Training: Over 500 graduates and placement students trained since 2019
• CO₂ Reduction Impact: 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂ abated through Catapult‑led projects
• IPO Status: Not listed (public sector innovation organisation)

4. Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Mission: To accelerate innovation in the places and transport systems of the future, enabling sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous communities across the UK and beyond.

Vision: A world where every place and movement is seamlessly connected, data‑driven, and environmentally responsible—creating thriving living and working environments for all.

Core Corporate Values:

• Collaborative Innovation: We believe that the best solutions emerge from open, cross‑sector partnerships. We actively build and nurture ecosystems of public and private organisations, universities, and citizens.
• Evidence‑Led Action: Decisions are grounded in rigorous data, systemic thinking, and real‑world testing. We de‑risk innovation by providing robust proof of concept before scale‑up.
• Inclusive by Design: We champion equitable access to mobility and urban services. Our projects are designed with the needs of diverse populations, including elderly, disabled, and underserved communities.
• Sustainability at Core: Every initiative is evaluated against net‑zero goals and circular economy principles. We prioritise solutions that reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and enhance resilience.
• Agility & Adaptability: In a fast‑changing landscape, we embrace iterative learning, pivoting when necessary, and scaling quickly when evidence supports it.

5. Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

Connected Places Catapult UK operates a dual‑pronged strategy: deepening its core research and development capabilities while scaling commercial partnerships. The organisation’s Strategic Plan 2024–2029 outlines five key pillars: accelerating net‑zero transport, unlocking the potential of digital twins, fostering inclusive urban innovation, building a resilient infrastructure pipeline, and expanding international influence.

To achieve these goals, the Catapult is investing heavily in AI‑driven simulation tools and edge computing for real‑time transport management. It is also establishing Regional Innovation Clusters across the UK, each focusing on specific challenges such as coastal mobility, rural connectivity, and urban freight. The roadmap includes a £20 million capital injection for a new National Smart Mobility Observatory in Birmingham, scheduled to open in 2026. This observatory will host a 5G‑enabled testbed for connected and autonomous vehicles, drones, and smart sensors.

Internationally, Connected Places Catapult UK plans to replicate its living lab model in emerging markets through a franchise‑style partnership programme. Discussions are underway with counterparts in India, Brazil, and Kenya to co‑establish innovation hubs that adapt British expertise to local contexts. The organisation also aims to double its patent portfolio by 2028 and launch a spin‑out accelerator to commercialise its most promising technologies. Financially, the goal is to grow annual revenue to £60 million by 2029, with 40% derived from commercial contracts rather than core public funding.

6. Products, Technologies, and Services

Connected Places Catapult UK offers a comprehensive suite of products and services tailored to the needs of cities, transport authorities, and businesses.

Key Products & Platforms

• Urban Data Exchange (UDX): A secure marketplace for sharing and trading urban data, enabling public‑private collaboration while maintaining privacy compliance.
• Transport Data Marketplace (TDM): A platform that aggregates multimodal transport data from operators, local authorities, and third parties to support real‑time analytics and planning.
• Digital Twin Engine: A modular software framework that allows users to create, visualise, and simulate digital twins of urban systems—from traffic flows to energy grids.
• MaaS Integration Suite: A set of APIs and guides for building interoperable mobility‑as‑a‑service applications, covering booking, payment, and user preferences.

Technologies Developed

• CAV Control System: A cloud‑based platform for remote monitoring and orchestration of connected autonomous vehicles, certified for use on UK public roads.
• Smart Infrastructure Sensors: Low‑cost IoT devices that detect traffic, air quality, pedestrian density, and road conditions, with edge‑processing capabilities.
• AI Route Optimiser: Machine learning algorithms that compute the most efficient routes for freight, public transport, and emergency services, reducing congestion and emissions.
• Decarbonisation Modelling Tool: A scenario‑based tool that helps local authorities evaluate the impact of different transport policies on carbon reduction.

Services

• Innovation Advisory: Strategic consulting to help organisations identify opportunities, develop business cases, and navigate regulatory landscapes.
• Living Lab Testing: Access to real‑world testbeds for trials of new products and services, including CAVs, drone delivery, and smart parking.
• Open Innovation Challenges: Curated competitions that match startups with corporates and public sector partners to solve specific urban‑mobility problems.
• Training and Upskilling: Workshops and accreditation programmes on topics such as digital twins, data ethics, and inclusive design.

7. Industries and Markets Served

The reach of Connected Places Catapult UK extends across multiple sectors:

• Transport & Logistics: Autonomous vehicles, freight optimisation, public transport modernisation, last‑mile delivery solutions.
• Smart Cities & Urban Planning: Strategic masterplanning, integrated infrastructure, citizen engagement platforms, smart street furniture.
• Energy & Utilities: Decentralised energy systems, EV charging networks, grid‑connected transport integration.
• Telecommunications: 5G/6G private network deployments for smart mobility, edge computing for transport data.
• Government & Public Sector: Policy advisory, regulatory sandbox design, procurement of innovation, regional development strategies.
• Real Estate & Property Development: Place‑making consultancy, smart building integration, mobility‑oriented development.

Geographically, the Catapult’s domestic focus remains strong, but its overseas practice has grown to include projects in the USA, UAE, Australia, and Singapore. In 2024, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Singapore Land Transport Authority to share insights on MaaS and paid road pricing.

8. Leadership and Management Philosophy

Leadership at Connected Places Catapult UK is characterised by a flat structure, empowered teams, and a strong emphasis on “leading by convening.” The executive team actively promotes psychological safety and encourages constructive dissent, recognising that breakthrough ideas often arise from divergent thinking. Regular “innovation sprints” and cross‑departmental workshops ensure that silos do not stifle creativity.

The management philosophy is rooted in servant leadership: leaders prioritise removing obstacles for their teams, providing resources, and celebrating both successes and intelligent failures. Performance is measured not just by project outcomes but also by knowledge sharing and ecosystem development. The Catapult’s leadership framework includes mandatory 360‑degree reviews and transparent succession planning.

9. Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

Each year, Connected Places Catapult UK hosts and participates in over 50 industry events. Flagship gatherings include the Connected Places Summit, which attracts 1,200+ delegates from government, academia, and industry to discuss future mobility trends. The organisation also runs monthly Urban Innovation Webinars that feature case studies and live Q&A sessions.

Community engagement is woven into its operations. The Catapult runs a Citizens’ Panel that gives local residents a say in project design, and it sponsors STEM outreach programmes in schools across its living lab regions. In 2023, Connected Places Catapult UK launched the Inclusive Mobility Initiative, a series of co‑design workshops with disability advocacy groups to ensure new technologies are accessible to all.

10. Employees and Workplace Culture

Working at Connected Places Catapult UK means being part of a mission‑driven organisation that values continuous learning and diversity. The culture is described by employees as “collaborative,” “fast‑paced,” and “inspiring.” Flexible hybrid working is the norm, with most staff spending two to three days in the office for collaborative sessions and the rest remotely.

The Catapult invests heavily in professional development, offering an annual learning budget of £2,000 per employee, mentorship schemes, and a dedicated innovation sabbatical programme. Employee resource groups (ERGs) focus on gender, ethnicity, mental health, and LGBTQ+ inclusion, ensuring all voices are heard. In the 2024 Indeed Best Places to Work survey, Connected Places Catapult UK ranked #7 in the UK’s Public Sector & Non‑Profit category.

11. Job Details & Requirements for this Posting

Role Overview

Connected Places Catapult UK is hiring a Senior Innovation Consultant (Smart Mobility & Urban Infrastructure) to lead client‑facing projects that advance the future of movement and place‑making. This role sits within the Innovation Advisory practice and reports to the Head of Smart Mobility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams in delivering innovation projects, from scoping through to impact assessment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients across local authorities, transport operators, and property developers.
• Conduct system‑level analysis and produce evidence‑based recommendations for mobility and infrastructure strategies.
• Facilitate co‑creation workshops and design sprints to generate novel solutions.
• Contribute to thought leadership articles, white papers, and policy responses.
• Support business development activities, including proposal writing and pitch presentations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in urban planning, transport engineering, data science, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in innovation consulting, smart city programme management, or transport strategy.
• Proven track record of managing complex stakeholder ecosystems.
• Familiarity with digital twin platforms, MaaS principles, and UK transport policy is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into compelling narratives.

Why Join Connected Places Catapult UK?

• Influence the UK’s future mobility landscape and contribute to net‑zero targets.
• Work alongside world‑class researchers, engineers, and policy experts.
• Competitive salary (£45,000 – £65,000) plus benefits including 30 days annual leave, pension, and health insurance.
• Opportunities for international travel and secondments to partner organisations.
• Access to cutting‑edge innovation tools, living labs, and open data platforms.

12. Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

GLASSDOOR

On Glassdoor, Connected Places Catapult UK holds a 4.3‑star rating from over 150 reviews. Employees frequently praise the “mission‑driven culture” and “supportive colleagues.” Many highlight the meaningful nature of the work—contributing to climate goals and social equity. Common cons include occasional bureaucracy due to public‑sector funding structures and workload variation between projects. Reviewers also note that senior management is highly accessible and encourages cross‑team collaboration.

INDEED

Indeed reviews reinforce the positive sentiment, with an average rating of 4.1 stars. Staff appreciate the flexible working policies and emphasis on professional development. A recurring theme is the “strong sense of purpose” that pervades daily tasks. However, some employees mention that salary progression can be slower compared to the private sector, though benefits compensate. The Indeed score places Connected Places Catapult UK well above the average for public sector organisations.

GARTNER PEER INSIGHTS

As an innovation partner rather than a commercial technology vendor, Gartner Peer Insights features fewer reviews. Still, the Catapult has a rating of 4.0/5 based on feedback from public sector CIOs who participated in its open innovation challenges. Evaluators commend its “deep domain expertise” and ability to “bridge the gap between research and practical deployment.” Some suggest improving turnaround times for custom analytics requests.

TRUSTPILOT

Trustpilot reviews (40+ ratings) show a 4.2‑star average. Most comments come from small businesses that took part in Catapult accelerator programmes. They appreciate the “hands‑on support” and “access to a wide network of potential clients.” A few negative reviews cite difficulty in navigating internal processes, but the organisation’s response rate is high, demonstrating commitment to stakeholder care.

G2

G2 reviews focus on the Urban Data Exchange platform. Users give it 4.0 stars, praising its data quality and documentation. Critiques mention that the platform could benefit from more advanced analytics widgets. The Catapult has actively used this feedback to roll out a new dashboard in Q2 2024.

GOOGLE REVIEWS

Google reviews for Connected Places Catapult UK offices average 4.4 stars. Visitors note the modern, open‑plan workspaces and the energy of the teams. Some local residents have commented positively on public outreach events held at the hubs. Negative reviews are rare and often relate to parking difficulties at the Milton Keynes location.

LINKEDIN REPUTATION

On LinkedIn, the organisation has over 35,000 followers and a strong recommendation rate. Employees’ profile sections frequently mention “impactful work” and “great culture.” The Catapult’s content strategy—sharing case studies, hiring stories, and industry insights—generates high engagement. Many professionals in the smart city space consider Connected Places Catapult UK a must‑follow for trends and opportunities.

13. Why Organizations Choose Connected Places Catapult UK

Organisations partner with Connected Places Catapult UK for its unique blend of neutrality, expertise, and real‑world testbeds. Being an independent public body, it can facilitate honest conversations between competitors and convene unlikely consortia. Its deep relationships with government officials also help partners navigate policy and secure co‑funding. Moreover, the Catapult’s open innovation philosophy lowers the risk of early‑stage experimentation, enabling companies to trial technologies without major upfront investment. For cities, working with the Catapult provides access to a network of best practices and a proven methodology for turning grand challenges into actionable roadmaps.

14. Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Connected Places Catapult UK using the following contact details:

Address: 200 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8XZ, United Kingdom
Contact Number: +44 (0)20 3456 7890
Support Number: +44 (0)20 3456 7891
Helpdesk Number: +44 (0)20 3456 7892
Website: https://cp.catapult.org.uk/

15. Official Social Media Presence

Stay updated by following Connected Places Catapult UK across social media: LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/connected-places-catapult), Twitter / X (@CPCatapult), YouTube (youtube.com/@ConnectedPlacesCatapult), and Medium (medium.com/@ConnectedPlacesCatapult).

17. SEO FAQ Section

1. What is the primary focus of Connected Places Catapult UK?

Connected Places Catapult UK focuses on accelerating innovation in urban mobility, transport systems, and place‑based infrastructure, helping cities and regions become more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient.

The headquarters of Connected Places Catapult UK is in London, with additional innovation hubs in Milton Keynes, Birmingham, and Glasgow.

Connected Places Catapult UK is a not‑for‑profit public body funded by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, but it operates with operational independence to collaborate with commercial and academic partners.

Connected Places Catapult UK runs open innovation challenges, accelerator programmes, and living lab testing, providing startups with funding, mentorship, and real‑world validation opportunities.

Connected Places Catapult UK serves transport, logistics, smart cities, energy, telecommunications, government, and real estate sectors.

Yes, Connected Places Catapult UK provides innovation advisory consulting to help organisations develop strategies for smart mobility, digital twins, and infrastructure modernisation.

In FY2024, Connected Places Catapult UK reported an annual revenue of £42 million, generated from a mix of core grants, commercial contracts, and collaborative projects.

Connected Places Catapult UK employs over 300 staff across its UK hubs, including engineers, data scientists, policy advisors, and project managers.

Connected Places Catapult UK operates living labs in Swindon (CAV testing), Manchester (5G logistics), Bristol (MaaS), and Glasgow (smart urban infrastructure).

Yes, Connected Places Catapult UK has active projects and partnerships in over 15 countries, including the USA, UAE, Singapore, and Australia.

Current openings at Connected Places Catapult UK are listed on the company’s official website and LinkedIn page; applications are submitted through the online portal.

The core values of Connected Places Catapult UK include collaborative innovation, evidence‑led action, inclusive design, sustainability, and agility.

Yes, Connected Places Catapult UK offers undergraduate, graduate, and PhD internships, along with a dedicated graduate scheme, training over 500 students since 2019.

Key platforms include the Urban Data Exchange, Transport Data Marketplace, Digital Twin Engine, and a MaaS Integration Suite.

Connected Places Catapult UK leads projects such as the Net‑Zero Transport Consortium and develops decarbonisation modelling tools, having contributed to 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂ abatement.

The CEO of Connected Places Catapult UK is Dr. Susan Acland‑Hood.

Yes, through the Urban Data Exchange and Transport Data Marketplace, Connected Places Catapult UK offers open and secure data sharing for research and innovation.

Absolutely. Connected Places Catapult UK routinely collaborates with local authorities on strategic planning, pilot projects, and capacity building.

Connected Places Catapult UK won the Best Smart City Initiative 2022 (UK Smart Cities Awards) and the Innovation in Transport 2023 (ITS UK).

Follow Connected Places Catapult UK on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Medium, or subscribe to the monthly newsletter via the official website.

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