Ideas as diverse as capture energy from the airflow caused by moving trains and supporting autism and ADHD sufferers with condition-specific information have won nine technology startup companies the opportunity to work alongside four train operators to support innovation in the rail industry.
Southeastern, Northern, LNER and TransPennine Express joined forces as part of Future Labs to help accelerate ideas that address common and emerging issues for the sector.
In the first scheme of its kind, the successful companies will receive unique insight and mentorship during a 12-week programme to bring their products and services to life, with the opportunity to apply, test and demonstrate their ideas in a real-world environment, with access to industry data, as well as mentors and subject matter experts.
Richard Harrison, chief financial officer of DOHL, which has responsibility for the four operators involved in Future Labs, said: “Our railways are essential in connecting people across the country and play a vital role in supporting the UK’s economy.
“Working together we can find innovative solutions to drive forward growth by making the best use of technology to improve train performance, accessibility and customer experience.”
More than 100 companies applied to be part of Future Labs, each proposing innovative solutions and products which address four categories:
- Enhancing customer experience
- Improving performance and operational excellence
- Developing people and talent
- A wildcard category
The finalists were selected by rail industry leaders following a pitch day in York.
Daniel Saunders, CEO of L Marks, which is running the Future Labs programme, said: “The energy at the Future Labs Pitch Day was electric! It has been fantastic to witness the engagement from LNER, Northern, Southeastern, and TransPennine Express over the past few months and during the day itself.
“I was incredibly impressed by the entrepreneurs behind the nine companies that have been selected to join the programme and I’m excited to see how Future Labs will fast track these innovations to shape the future of the rail industry.”
