Train operators join forces with tech startups to shape the future of the rail industry
Nine technology startups have been selected to work alongside four train operators to support innovation in the rail industry.
Southeastern, Northern, LNER and TransPennine Express joined forces as part of Future Labs to help accelerate ideas that address common and emerging issues for the sector.
In the first scheme of its kind, the successful companies will receive unique insight and mentorship during a 12-week programme to bring their products and services to life.
They will have the opportunity to apply, test and demonstrate their ideas in a real-world environment, with access to industry data, as well as mentors and subject matter experts.
Richard Harrison, chief financial officer of DOHL, which has responsibility for the four operators involved in Future Labs, said:
“Our railways are essential in connecting people across the country and play a vital role in supporting the UK’s economy.
“Working together we can find innovative solutions to drive forward growth by making the best use of technology to improve train performance, accessibility and customer experience.”
There were 107 applications across four categories, which focused on enhancing customer experience, improving performance and operational excellence, and developing people and talent.
The finalists were selected by rail industry leaders following a pitch day in York on Tuesday 6 August. They are:
Chata.ai
Enabling organisations to harness their data through proactive self-service analytics, allowing on-technical business users to access real-time insights by simply asking questions in natural language.
Cleancore Intelligence
A solution for tracking cleaning compliance and footfall that removes manual compliance record keeping by highlighting where cleaning is needed.
1Huddle
1Huddle is a recruitment, engagement and development platform that uses games to train, onboard and attract talent. 1 to 2-minute games, high-impact games that can be played anytime, anywhere, on the go. Managers can build games quickly, games can be played anywhere, and staff get rewarded
iqast
iqast provides fully automatic forecasting solutions with Artificial Intelligence an machine learning and it’s customisable to different needs. Their software does not need to be integrated within a company’s infrastructure. All data ingestion, modelling and execution would be run through their own systems.
Cognition24
Mobile app designed for individuals with Autism, ADHD, and other hidden disabilities. The technology gives real-time, travel information in an accessible format before leaving home, at the station and onboard and provides info such as finding the quietest coach, receiving driver messages while wearing noise-cancelling headphones.
Zing Data
Platform offering AI powered, business intelligence and visual data analytics solutions. Natural language querying that can figure out complex calculations and relationships automatically
Treeva
Renewable energy from the turbulent airflow of passing transport. The modular design is easy to install and maintain on the side of roads or railways and makes use of readily available land and powers infrastructure to create net-zero transport systems.
PotentialU
A solution designed to help frontline leaders get an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of their team as well as motivators and drainers. It provides insights and help leaders engage more effectively with their teams.
Moonbility
Moonbility is an Innovate-UK funded digital twin company, specialising in predicting and simulating asset failures in the transport sector, and visualising the impact on the moving contents.
The products and services will be demonstrated in early December.
Daniel Saunders, CEO of L Marks, which is running the programme, said:
“The energy at the Future Labs Pitch Day was electric! It has been fantastic to witness the engagement from LNER, Northern, Southeastern, and TransPennine Express over the past few months and during the day itself.”
“I was incredibly impressed by the entrepreneurs behind the nine companies that have been selected to join the programme and I’m excited to see how Future Labs will fast track these innovations to shape the future of the rail industry.”
Find out more about the Future Labs programme here.