Connected Places Catapult

What is Connected Places Catapult?

Connected Places Catapult is one of the UK's network of Catapult innovation centres, set up by Innovate UK (part of UK Research and Innovation) to accelerate the growth of markets in connected places. The organisation focuses on cities, transport, and place leadership — bringing together businesses, government, and researchers to drive innovation in how places are designed, built, and managed.

Founded in 2012, Connected Places Catapult works across smart cities, future mobility, infrastructure, and digital twins. They help organisations develop, test, and scale new technologies and approaches that improve how people live, work, and travel. The Catapult model bridges the gap between academic research and commercial application, enabling the UK to lead in place-based innovation.

Where will I work?

Connected Places Catapult is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The organisation operates a hybrid working model, combining office-based collaboration with remote working. Core hours are 10am-4pm, providing flexibility around start and finish times. Some roles involve travel to project sites, partner organisations, and innovation testbeds across the UK.

What is the team like?

With approximately 300 employees, Connected Places Catapult has a multidisciplinary team of innovation specialists, urban planners, transport experts, technologists, data scientists, project managers, and business development professionals. The team works at the intersection of technology, policy, and urban development.

The culture is collaborative and innovation-focused, reflecting the organisation's mission to accelerate change. Staff work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of cities and transport, often in partnership with local authorities, transport operators, technology companies, and academic institutions.

Work-Life Balance

Connected Places Catapult operates a 9-day fortnight, giving employees alternate Fridays off at full pay. Combined with core hours of 10am-4pm, the organisation offers significant flexibility in how the working week is structured. The hybrid working model provides further autonomy over where work gets done.

Perks and Benefits

• 9-day fortnight with alternate Fridays off at full pay
• Core hours 10am-4pm with flexible start and finish times
• Hybrid working model
• Healthcare benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced parental leave
• Work on cutting-edge smart city and transport innovation
• Part of the UK's Catapult innovation network