Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for transport, construction and infrastructure, has announced the ten companies with early-stage rail solutions selected to join the Rail Growth Support Programme. The programme is designed to help them accelerate their solutions towards operational adoption at scale within the rail sector.

From accessibility and passenger safety to reliability, air quality and ageing infrastructure, the innovators selected are tackling some of the rail sector’s biggest operational challenges. The cohort is developing solutions including: digital tools for passenger support; innovative drainage technologies; and trackside networks that keep passengers connected whilst they travel.

The Rail Growth Support Programme is delivered by Connected Places Catapult in partnership with Network Rail and supported by Innovate UK. This programme builds on the success of the Station Innovation Zone (SIZ), which has supported over 35 SMEs, enabled 12 live trials of solutions at Bristol Temple Meads station and awarded over £670,000 in funding.

The cohort, which was selected from across the Catapult's alumni network, will each receive tailored business support - worth up to £25,000 - from the Catapult over the coming months.

 They will work with rail industry experts to explore how their solutions could address real-world challenges across the sector, with support including access to industry experts insight, mentoring, stakeholder connections, station visits and trial design.

The ten companies and their solutions are:

Cloudavian is developing Pocket, an AI travel companion and station kiosk for passengers with accessibility needs, offering step-free routing, assistance information and rebooking support when disruption strikes.

GoRolloe is developing a mobile industrial emissions control unit to enable transport operators and manufacturers to improve air quality for their workers and passengers.

Rivelin Rail is developing handheld and on-board technology that helps railway operators understand wheel/rail friction and improve the effectiveness of friction management.

Future Transformation is developing AI station intelligence to help rail operators understand passenger flow, accessibility barriers and safety risks in station environments.

Amygda is developing a new type of operational risk platform that helps fleet reliability teams understand which trains and subsystems require attention first. This allows maintenance teams to act earlier to reduce avoidable delays and service disruption. 

Rinicom is developing AI-driven train to platform interfaces, called YellowLine and DTUP systems to boost passenger safety and operational efficiency through real-time platform risk detection and proactive mitigation

Civil Water Management is developing a modular drainage system for railway filter drains, helping infrastructure managers improve long-term asset performance, reduce maintenance interventions, and minimise whole-life costs.

Digital Creativity in Disability is developing a trackside millimetre-wave network giving train operators high-capacity onboard connectivity, so passengers, including disabled travellers relying on digital tools, stay reliably connected.

Transport Direction is developing Rowntree’s Post, an AI-enabled station assistant for unstaffed stations, giving passengers on-demand help and ensuring assisted travel requests reach train crews directly and reliably.

Inclutech is developing accessible digital reporting technology that helps rail passengers and staff communicate safety concerns without relying on verbal communication, making reporting more inclusive, discreet and accessible.

“The rail industry is entering a period of significant change, with Great British Railways bringing track and train closer together. For businesses developing new solutions, this presents an opportunity to engage with the people shaping the future of the sector and understand where their technology can address real-world challenges.
 
We’re looking forward to working with this cohort and supporting them to build the industry relationships, insight and understanding they need to take their solutions closer to adoption."

Dr Alan Peters , Rail Director at Connected Places Catapult

Have an idea that could help move the transport industry forward?

Join the Connected Places Catapult SME Network to hear about future opportunities, connect with industry and find out how you can get involved in programmes like this one.