HS2 Accelerator 7.0

Applications closed

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

Find out more

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.