sector

Railways connect society together and enable economic growth in the regions they serve.

Accelerate innovation in the UK rail ecosystem – addressing technology and market barriers – bringing supply chain and challenge owners closer together.
A person walks along a platform next to a train in a large, modern railway station, with a curved roof featuring intricate ironwork.

Passenger experience

Inclusive innovation is a lead priority as Bristol Temple Meads becomes the UK’s first ‘Station Innovation Zone’. In partnership with Network Rail and Innovate UK we’re helping the station test new technologies designed to improve how passengers experience the station. Discover more about the journey so far.

A person with a backpack and red suitcase walks along a train platform beside a stationary train, while another person walks in the opposite direction.

Report / Station Innovation Zone Playbook and Strategic Guide

A Playbook and Strategic Guide that supports stakeholders through the process of developing innovation at stations and how to set up and run a Station Innovation Zone.

CONNECTED INTELLIGENCE

Connected intelligence at Connected Places Catapult in rail integrates data analytics, IoT, and AI to optimise rail systems, enhancing safety, efficiency, and passenger experience through smart infrastructure and predictive maintenance solutions.

News / Rail Maintenance AI Tech Developed in the UK Goes Global

Technology that enables real-time infrastructure monitoring and predictive maintenance has been commercialised by Hitachi Rail following UK-led research and development.

CLIMATE ACTION

As part of the wider West Midlands Innovation Accelerator designed to bolster the region’s innovation and R&D capability and capacity to spark commercial growth and investment. Connected Places Catapult has launched the Clean Futures Accelerator for SMEs in the West Midlands. Learn more about the challenges and our work.

A teacher and students working on a project

Podcast / Inclusive innovation in the West Midlands

In this episode we explore some of the latest thinking on inclusive innovation and what it means for places – specifically one of the UK’s most diverse and vibrant city regions: the West Midlands.

The art of rail innovation

The historic facade of Bristol Temple Meads railway station, featuring a large central clock tower with four pointed spires and a mix of Gothic-style stonework and arched windows. A canopy supported by decorative ironwork extends across the station entrance, and the sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue.
News

Ideas to enhance safety and reduce anxiety sought for Bristol Temple Meads testbed

Search begins for up to 8 companies to receive funding and business support, with 3 progressing to live trials at Bristol Temple Meads.
Case Study

Reducing slips, trips and falls with AI Technology at Bristol Temple Meads

Bristol Temple Meads (BTM) station sought innovative solutions to enhance passenger safety, particularly targeting slips, trips and falls associated with passengers carrying large items on the stairs within the station subway.
Article

Meet the innovator harnessing wind power from passing trains

Anjali Devadasan has created wind turbines to stand beside railways; generating electricity from speeding trains to provide sustainable power for stations and work sites.