sector

Adopting rail innovation

Addressing technology and market barriers and bringing supply chain and challenge owners closer together.
A person walks along the platform beside a modern passenger train at a station with an arched glass roof, embodying a future rail experience.

Rail innovation 

We help rail industry players collaborate confidently with high-potential businesses and SMEs by prioritising the right ideas, shaping robust business cases, and running de-risked, well-funded pilots informed by trusted industry intelligence. We work with major partners like Network Rail, in the UK and globally, to accelerate decarbonisation, safety and cost efficiency across new and existing rail networks.

For high-potential businesses and SMEs

Have you got an innovative pilot, project or solution to improve rail?

View live open calls

For transport operators, infrastructure owners and industry partners

Interested in finding new solutions for transport infrastructure?

Get in touch

Tracks to innovation

The UK rail industry is under pressure to increase cost control and improve operational efficiencies. At the same time, it is undertaking the biggest reform of recent times with the transition to Great British Railways (GBR).

Through structured pilots in safe testbeds, access to funding, and independent expert support, we turn rail innovation from an optional ‘nice-to-have’ into a practical, evidence-backed route to operational, passenger, and ESG outcomes. The Catapult is uniquely placed to unite the rail ecosystem and break down barriers blocking large-scale adoption of sustainable, digital, and advanced mobility solutions.

Our focus areas:

Rail Innovation Zones. Establishing and growing environments that bridge the gap between technology development and operational deployment.

Convening rail innovation.  Connecting the UK rail innovation ecosystem through strategic coordination, capability development and international positioning.

Alternative energy systems and fuels.  Overcoming barriers to clean energy adoption in rail and enabling multi-stakeholder energy hubs on the rail network. ​

Multi-modal integration. Creating multimodal transport hubs that integrate seamlessly with other transport modes.

Safe and reliable operations. Collaborative development of AI and digital technologies to optimise operations, enhance safety, and build sector-wide innovation capability.

Maintenance and renewals. Supporting Network Rail to extend asset life, improve reliability and reduce disruption using innovative solutions.

Scaling SME growth

We work directly with high potential transport businesses in the UK to support growth and commercialisation through our projects and programmes, which aim to:

  • Help SMEs turn potential into performance
  • Reduce risk so individual businesses can scale
  • Support SMEs to compete in real markets
Explore SME growth stories
Digital construction firm eyes US expansion after latest investment
Article

Digital construction firm eyes US expansion after latest investment

Geospatial AI company Sensat has just announced a £3m investment raise to further develop its product and grow the business in new markets, after participating in Connected Places Catapult-led programmes.
4 weeks ago
Innovation will be vital says rail transition lead
Article

Innovation will be vital says rail transition lead

How railway reform will impact the landscape for innovators was debated at the Connected Places Summit.
2 months ago
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Our work with HS2

Since launching in 2020, the HS2 Accelerator has supported over 40 high potential businesses who have collectively secured over 30 pilot projects across HS2, realising more than £30M in cost-savings across the HS2 baseline with another £300M in estimated savings.    

Find out more
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Turning stations into testbeds

We’re working with Network Rail and high potential SME businesses to test new technologies in live station environments. This helps SMEs grow, reduces risk for rail partners, and improves the passenger experience.    

Find out more

Projects and open calls

A busy train station platform with people walking and automated ticket barriers in the foreground under a large arched roof
Project

Station Innovation Zone

We’re working with Network Rail and SMEs to test new technologies in live station environments. This helps SMEs grow, reduces risk for rail partners, and improves the passenger experience.
2 days ago
Several white trucks are lined up in front of stacked shipping containers at an industrial location during sunset.
Project

Freight Innovation Fund

The Freight Innovation Fund is a multi-faceted programme funded by the Department for Transport, focussed on accelerating the adoption of commercial ready solutions to address challenges in the UK’s freight sector.
3 months ago
HS2 Accelerator Programme
Project

HS2 Accelerator Programme

HS2, working with Connected Places Catapult and in partnership with the Department for Transport, delivers the HS2 Accelerator Programme. It enables innovators to work with HS2 to develop technologies that solve real infrastructure challenges and improve efficiency
3 months ago

News and articles

Digital construction firm eyes US expansion after latest investment
Article

Digital construction firm eyes US expansion after latest investment

Geospatial AI company Sensat has just announced a £3m investment raise to further develop its product and grow the business in new markets, after participating in Connected Places Catapult-led programmes.
4 weeks ago
Innovation will be vital says rail transition lead
Article

Innovation will be vital says rail transition lead

How railway reform will impact the landscape for innovators was debated at the Connected Places Summit.
2 months ago
Bristol Temple Meads to test latest in station innovations
News

Bristol Temple Meads to test latest in station innovations

Systems designed to reduce passenger stress and make station surfaces less slippery will be trialled this spring.
3 months ago

Case studies and reports

Stations as spaces for placemaking
Case Study

Stations as spaces for placemaking

Understanding local experiences, challenges and opportunities in operating community-focused offerings from stations
3 weeks ago
Transforming manual asset verification from two weeks to 35 seconds at HS2
Case Study

Transforming manual asset verification from two weeks to 35 seconds at HS2

AI company, BuildPrompt, were partnered with the high-speed rail programme through the HS2 Accelerator to create a solution designed specifically for infrastructure delivery.
4 months ago
Reducing slips, trips and falls with AI Technology 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.
11 months ago

FAQs

What does rail innovation mean?

How can rail industry partners work with Connected Places Catapult?

How do SMEs and start‑ups get involved in rail innovation projects?

What role does Connected Places Catapult play in the Better Connected transport strategy?

How does Connected Places Catapult work with Network Rail?

How does Connected Places Catapult support accessibility in rail stations?

Connect with us.

Get in touch to explore how we can work together.

Contact us
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