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.

Alan Peters

Ecosystem Director – Rail and Stations

Passenger experience

Find out more

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.

News / Eight passenger tech firms shortlisted to present innovations at Bristol Temple Meads

A busy train station platform with people walking by and automated ticket barriers in the foreground under a large arched roof. An information sign hangs overhead.

Podcast / Bristol Temple Meads – UK's first 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.

A person in high-visibility clothing operates a drone near a train track, with a moving train in the background. A marked landing pad is on the ground in front.

News / Drone use within the rail industry

A railway worker in orange safety gear, helmet, and protective glasses looks at a device on his wrist. He is standing by a railway track with more workers visible in the background, possibly demonstrating the high standards that earned them a prestigious railway safety award.

News / Award win for railway safety innovation

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.