Stations of The Future – Advancing the Rail Solutions of Tomorrow
Days hours mins secs
When and where?
12:00pm - 5:30pm
Tickets
Connected Places Catapult, in collaboration with Network Rail, is hosting a half-day event at our London headquarters where we discuss the development, trialling and commercialisation of innovative rail solutions.
The focus of this event is to facilitate conversations amongst decision-makers across the rail ecosystem on how we can progress innovations from trials towards commercialisation and adoption. By bringing together key stakeholders across the rail industry, we aim to discuss the key challenges that promising technological solutions have in achieving successful implementation within the UK rail network and consider what could be done to remove some of these barriers going forward.
The event will connect Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with influential industry stakeholders, fostering collaboration between businesses, government representatives, Network Rail and the wider rail sector.
We will be building on insights from the Station Innovation Zone, a unique Innovation programme delivered by Connected Places Catapult in partnership with Network Rail and funded by Innovate UK. The programme has so far allowed 6 innovators to be able to trial solutions at Bristol Temple Meads Station. This event will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage with these innovators, network with industry leaders, and help shape the future of UK rail stations.
The event is specifically aimed at discussing a number of trial outputs and what key stakeholders would advise their next steps in their path to Implementation should be. The names of the SMEs as well as some details on what they will be showcasing will be published ahead of the event.
What to Expect
- Showcasing rail innovation in action – Meet SIZ innovators and explore their pioneering solutions improving safety, accessibility, and sustainability, from panels that capture carbon to security training games that motivate staff to keep stations secure.
- Funding and commercialisation roadmap – Navigate the challenges of securing investment, engaging key stakeholders across government, industry and academia, and overcoming barriers to industry adoption.
- Collaboration and networking– Connect with industry leaders, SMEs, and government decision-makers to discuss opportunities for partnerships, funding, and further development.
The Showcasing SMEs
Createc – AI-powered LIDAR system enhancing passenger safety and crowd management, operational at King’s Cross Station.
Jnction – Aubin app supports neurodiverse travellers with personalised journey info, station accessibility, and carer communication.
Chrome Angel Solutions – VR-based serious games train rail staff in safety and security, securing multiple funding rounds and trial partnerships.
Co-You – CO₂-absorbing panels capture diesel emissions at stations, with ongoing funding applications and industry engagement.
CrossTech – AI-driven computer vision software detects hazards and enhances station safety, trialled at Reading station.
Optimise AI – Digital Twin of Bristol Temple Meads provides AI-driven insights to optimise energy use and support rail decarbonisation.
Hello Lamp Post – Interactive platform at Bristol Temple Meads using QR codes and SMS to engage passengers with station innovations.
Journey Alerts - an inclusive journey planning solution that provides real-time SMS updates to passengers who may previously have felt too anxious to use rail.
Ampetronic - a groundbreaking aural solution for both hearing aid and headphone users that provides live station updates using the latest Auracast technology.
Engaging with the Entire Rail Ecosystem
We are keen to engage with all areas of the rail ecosystem so would highly value your attendance to ensure a strong range of stakeholders are represented.
Whether you're an industry-leader sharing insights, a government representative exploring SME needs and funding, or a regulator clarifying procurement and industry challenges, this event provides a valuable platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Please apply to attend and we will get back to you shortly if you have secured a spot! If you have any questions please contact anna.kerr@cp.catapult.org.uk
Full agenda below. We hope to see you there!
*agenda subject to changes
Event Agenda
| 12:00 - 13:00 | Networking Lunch A chance to connect with industry leaders, SMEs, and procurement decision-makers in an informal setting. |
| 13:00 – 13:05 | Welcome & Housekeeping Giulia Lorenzini -Head of Regional & Local Growth Funding, Connected Places Catapult |
| 13:05 - 13:15 | Opening Remarks – Why do we need innovation within rail and who are the key players? - Understanding the Innovation Landscape in Rail - End-user perspective: The seamless passenger journey vs. industry complexity - The role of Station Innovation Zone: Moving from trials to commercialisation Alan Peters - Rail Director, Connected Places Catapult |
| 13:15 - 14:15 | What we learnt from running trials at Bristol Temple Meads – Innovation in Rail - Hear from those 'At the coalface' Bristol Temple Meads - Lessons from live testing environments Panel: Bernadette Sachse – Station Manager, Network Rail Christian Kerrigan – CEO & Founder, Co-You Natasha Marsay – Accessibility & Integration Manager Strategy - Policy Lead, Network Rail George Wardell – Consultant, Connected Places Catapult Giulia Lorenzini – Head of Regional & Local Growth Funding, Connected Places Catapult (Chair) |
| 14:15 - 15:00 | Moving from Problem to Solution to Buyer – The Merry-Go-Round of Innovation Funding - Breaking the vicious cycle of innovation funding - Problem Identification → Solution Development → Trial & Testing → Buying - The challenge of developing, trialling & commercialising - Who buys? Who has the budget? Who has accountability? Panel: Brian Wortman – Senior Programme Sponsor, Network Rail Marcus Carmichael - Professional Lead - Operations & Performance Research, RSSB Nathan Hurdsfield - Head of Innovation - Science Innovation and Technology Division Head of Innovation - Department for Transport Rosie Richardson – Product & Strategy Director, Createc Giulia Lorenzini – Head of Regional & Local Growth Funding, Connected Places Catapult (Chair) |
| 15:00 - 15:15 | Coffee Break |
| 15:15 – 15:45 | Commercialisation & Exploitation of Innovation – Who can contribute? - Funding & Investment Discussion (R&D, industry, local authorities, private sector, grants, commercial funding) - Industry buy-in: Engaging key stakeholders (TOCs, infrastructure managers) - Collaboration & Aggregation: Who should buy? Building a roadmap Panel: Jeremy Allen – Engagement Manager, Rail & Aviation - Connected Places Catapult Ivan Youd - Senior Policy Advisor (Rail) - Department for Business & Trade Tim Gray - Group Account Manager - Hitachi Giulia Lorenzini – Head of Regional & Local Growth Funding, Connected Places Catapult (Chair) |
| 15:45 - 16:00 | Coffee Break |
| 16:00 – 16:45 | Procurement & Commercialisation Challenges – Workshop - Panel Discussion: Procurement structures, regulatory frameworks, and accountability (who owns security, assets, compliance?) - Case Studies: Learning from Year 1 & 2 innovators vs. Year 3 - Group Activity: Who buys rail innovation? Participants discuss and identify potential buyers - Matchmaking: Identified buyers receive stickers and are matched with innovators for next-step discussions |
| 16:45 - 17:00 | Closing Remarks Reflections on the day's discussions and key takeaway. |
| 17:00 - 18:00 | Networking Drinks An opportunity to: - Continue discussions and explore collaboration - Build connections with industry stakeholders - Discuss next steps for bringing innovations to market |
