Start-up businesses are being encouraged to tackle key urban transport challenges, such as congestion, emissions and road safety, through a new scheme announced yesterday at the Cenex-LCV event.

The Intelligent Mobility Accelerator will focus on areas such as connected and autonomous vehicles, connected infrastructure and transport data and analysis.

It is designed to attract disruptive start-ups with high growth potential into the UK transport industry.

The new programme is a partnership between Transport Systems Catapult and Wayra UK, supported by ThoughtWorks and Network Rail.

Businesses accepted to the accelerator will receive a six-month support programme.

Transport Systems Catapult CEO Paul Campion said: “Transport is currently going through a revolutionary period driven by digital, connected and autonomous technology.

“Up until now British entrepreneurs wanting to exploit these opportunities have needed to go it alone. We must support new UK businesses now, so we can take a lead on the world stage and create high-quality jobs and growth for our economy.”

He added: “ There are no other accelerators in the UK which cover the full range of potential Intelligent Mobility solutions, and we hope to give these businesses a doorway into this £900bn global market.”

Gary Stewart, director of Wayra UK, said: “Through this innovative programme, we hope to support the development of the next generation of transport systems breakthroughs and contribute further to making the UK the best place in the world to scale a transport start-up.”

If you are interested in applying for a place at the IM Accelerator, or would like to help support the programme contact IMAccelerator@ts.catapult.org.uk.