HS2 Innovation Accelerator secures diverse talent to help cut carbon and improve safety and security

HS2 Ltd has today kicked off a new phase in development of the UK’s SME tech sector with the opening to a third cohort of its successful Innovation Accelerator programme, delivered in partnership with Connected Places Catapult and Bruntwood SciTech.

The company delivering Britain’s new high speed rail network took a conscious decision to reach new and diverse thinking by focusing on small digital and data technology firms.

Entering the Accelerator on 11 August, the five firms have been chosen to develop techniques for designing carbon out from the railway and to monitor and improve site safety and security. As one of the most sustainable high speed railways in the world, HS2 will support the UK in making the transition to a net zero carbon economy. It has set a commitment to reduce the carbon impact of construction by 50%, as well as delivering low carbon journeys and cutting carbon emissions from other forms of transport.

HS2 Ltd Innovation Manager, Rob Cairns said:

“With the third cohort intake we focused on reaching a diverse range of businesses who we believe can bring fresh thinking and a new perspective to our mission of reducing HS2’s carbon footprint and improving the health and safety of our teams, as well as the security of our worksites.”