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AI transport tech innovators selected for business case funding
Three start-up companies with solutions for improving rail and bus performance will be supported to develop their business cases.
19.03.25, LONDON, Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for transport, the built environment, cities and local growth, announced today that three organisations with AI enabled technology have been awarded further funding to develop their business cases.
The companies selected have been taking part in the ‘AI in Transport: Enhancing Passenger Experience’ programme, which is delivered by Connected Places Catapult on behalf of the Department for Transport.
Two weeks ago, they took part in a pitch day, which saw nine companies present their business ideas to a panel of three judges: Prof Sarah Sharples, Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Transport; Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Places Catapult; and Justin Anderson, Director of the Digital Twin Hub at Connected Places Catapult.
The judges selected three winners, who will now go on to receive up to £13,000 each of further funding to develop their business cases.
The companies selected are:
1Timetable – ‘Improving timetable robustness using the power of AI’. The solution uses AI to create train crew resource plans for train operators, allowing for more informed short-term decision making. Improved data also underpins long-term strategic workforce planning and recruitment decisions.
FYLD – ‘Improving performance on the railways by tackling delays caused by maintenance’. Video risk assessments identify site hazards, and ‘job blockers’ provide alerts when works progress is delayed. The AI platform is designed to improve efficiency, minimise disruption and enhance safety.
Purple Transform – ‘Project Safer Streets’. Advancements in computer vision and AI are used to proactively monitor bus journeys for incidents of anti-social behaviour and harassment. A computer vision model combined with ambient noise sensing identifies loud noise, aggression and intimidation of vulnerable travellers.
Each company has also had the opportunity to pitch at the Connected Places Summit today (14:00-14:30, 19 March), the session is being live streamed and will be available on demand to registered attendees.
A total of 25 SMEs and Start-ups had previously received £2000 each to develop use case proposals for the competition, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered by Connected Places Catapult.
“AI and new technologies are rapidly opening up new opportunities to help people make easier, more sustainable, safer journeys. It's brilliant to see competitions like this really help support innovators drive forward their ideas, and I look forward to seeing what these bright minds have in store for us next.”Transport AI Minister Mike Kane
“Artificial intelligence offers a plethora of opportunities to enhance the transport experience for the travelling public. The three winning submissions to the AI competition impressed myself and my fellow judges earlier this month; and it is great to be able to give them the opportunity to present their solutions to a diverse range of stakeholders at the Connected Places Summit.”Erika Lewis, Chief Executive at Connected Places Catapult
