Leveraging data to connect us to nature

Design to Deliver is a new programme launched by Digital Catapult, Connected Places Catapult and Satellite Applications Catapult, to unlock the potential of the UK’s design industry to benefit small businesses tackling some of the UK’s biggest challenges.

The programme is offering funding and design support to UK businesses developing solutions for a greener future, driven by growing environmental awareness among customers and markets, and the UK’s position as the lowest in nature connection among 14 European countries. The Catapult’s will help businesses lead the way in using deep tech to advance sustainability, influence public behaviour and accelerate the practical application of deep tech across multiple sectors.

A 2023 survey by the Institute of Directors (IoD) revealed that 43% of businesses struggle with technical skill gaps, especially in AI and advanced manufacturing, which hinder product development beyond TRL 5. The Design to Deliver programme addresses this by offering funding and expert guidance, helping businesses leverage complex climate data, enhance urban green spaces, and promote environmentally responsible practices through space-enabled technology.

The programme has been developed in collaboration with and funded by Innovate UK. Each of the three Catapult’s has set its own challenge, all tied to the goal of regenerating nature through human behaviour and better access to actionable information. The challenges are:

 

1. Collective solutions for wild urban places – Led by Connected Places Catapult

This challenge aims to help UK businesses develop ways to use information to contribute to the successful maintenance of natural urban areas.

2. Informed choices for nature positive actions – Led by Digital Catapult 

This challenge aims to help UK businesses develop solutions that empower citizens to make eco-conscious decisions through the use of existing data.

3. Space-enabled information for a thriving world – Led by Satellite Applications Catapult 

This challenge aims to help UK businesses convert space-enabled data into reliable information that promotes environmentally responsible behaviours.

Digital Catapult’s challenge: Informed choices for nature positive actions

Digital Catapult’s challenge invites SMEs to propose innovative solutions that leverage data to promote nature-positive actions. Whether it’s helping citizens to visualise the environmental impact of their everyday choices or creating tools to encourage nature-based activities, the possibilities are endless.

The programme accelerates the practical application of deep tech by focusing on the intersection of technology and human interaction with nature. It supports the development of new solutions leveraging advanced digital technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and immersive platforms that can  allow people to experience and engage with environmental data in meaningful ways, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.

Location partners will give the SMEs access to communities and places where they can consider the practical implementation of their solution. The locations are: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London; Knowle West, Bristol; and Sussex Bay, Sussex. 

Applications are open until October 25.

To learn more or apply, visit the Design to Deliver page here