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High Speed 2 Limited (HS2), supported by Connected Places Catapult and in partnership with the Department for Transport, has launched its search for six small businesses to develop new technology business cases and funded pilot projects for the rail scheme.
The six successful SMEs will be accelerated through a bespoke 20-week programme involving:
- Project scoping workshops with domain experts and challenge owners from within HS2, the Department for Transport, and the wider industry.
- Business case development with support from HS2 innovation managers and programme mentors.
- Investment readiness support including opportunities to meet investors and coaching on raising investment and refining investment and financing strategies.
- Bespoke business coaching from a consortium of mentors and technical experts with specialisms in areas including marketing & branding, product development and commercial strategy.
Since its launch in September 2020, the HS2 Accelerator has supported 31 small businesses which have collectively secured 24 pilot projects across HS2 – with more to be expected in the upcoming months from our sixth cohort. These businesses have raised over £220 million in investment & funding, and more than doubled their team headcount since participating – creating over 430 new jobs for the UK.
Application Support Webinar
On 23 September, Connected Places Catapult held an Application Support Webinar to give applicants the opportunity to find out more about the programme offering, challenges, application process, scoring criteria, and the assessment process. Watch the webinar below and see the presentation slides here
Key Dates
Programme Challenges
1: Automating Asset Management
- How can we identify, monitor and manage the condition of rail assets?
- How can we ensure the integrity and accuracy of asset condition data throughout its lifecycle?
2: Future-proofing Operations
- How can we detect cybersecurity vulnerabilities and safeguard critical rail systems (such as signalling, telecoms, controls etc) from cyber threats?
- How can we identify, monitor and prevent hazards, obstructions, unauthorised access, and trespassing in real-time?
3: Maximising Site Productivity
- How can we automate on-site installation and fit-out (including civils, stations and rail systems) to improve productivity and reduce risk?
What’s on offer to SMEs?
Project Scoping Workshops
Business Case Development
Bespoke Coaching & Mentoring
Funded Project Opportunities
Industry Events & Showcase Opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must be:
- A micro, small or medium sized enterprise (SME).
- Headquartered or based within the UK or Europe.
- Committed to attend in-person project scoping workshops, engagement activities, and programme events with sponsors and stakeholders across HS2 and supply chain.
Solutions must have a Technology Readiness Level of at least TRL 5. This means that the solution has been tested or demonstrated in its intended environment.
How to apply
Please register through the link below. Applications close midnight on 13 October.
Supporting Documents
Point of contact
If you have any questions about the programme and application, please contact:
Jasmine Pollock, Accelerator Programme Manager, Connected Places Catapult. jasmine.pollock@cp.catapult.org.uk
