HS2 Innovation Accelerator: Rail Tech Solutions for UK High-Speed Rail

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Introduction

Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd’s Chief Executive, is leading a review of the HS2 railway project, and a call is being made to small technology specialists to contribute to its reset. The HS2 Innovation Accelerator programme, in partnership with the Connected Places Catapult, is seeking innovative solutions to streamline the railway’s delivery.

HS2 Innovation Accelerator Programme

The HS2 Innovation Accelerator programme, first launched in 2020, creates opportunities for start-ups and tech innovators to design and implement new solutions. Applications have opened for the eighth round of the programme. This round focuses on HS2’s reset and invites tech specialists to develop products and solutions to address specific challenges.

Programme Objectives

Solutions devised by the specialists will drive best practice and ensure a culture of cost control, efficiency, and high performance is embedded as the project progresses. HS2 Ltd’s senior innovation manager, Jon Kelly, stated that this is a unique opportunity for innovators to contribute to achieving the project’s goals.

Impact and Achievements

Since launching in 2020, the HS2 Innovation Accelerator has supported 37 small tech firms who have collectively secured 31 pilot projects, realizing more than £50M in cost-savings. Over 40 per cent of alumni firms now work on other projects and contracts, raising over £240 million in investment and funding. They have more than doubled their team headcounts, creating over 580 new jobs.

Application Details

Applications for the eighth round of the HS2 Innovation Accelerator programme open today and will close on 31st October 2025. Twelve finalists will be whittled down to six firms who will be given the opportunity to accelerate and scale-up their demonstration into a trial project with HS2.

Conclusion

The HS2 Innovation Accelerator programme, in collaboration with the Connected Places Catapult, is seeking technology solutions for the HS2 project. The eighth round of applications is now open, with a closing date of 31st October 2025. The programme has previously supported 37 small tech firms and achieved significant cost savings.

Company Summary

HS2 Ltd: HS2 Ltd is the organization overseeing the High Speed 2 railway project in Britain. Mark Wild is the Chief Executive of the company.

Connected Places Catapult: Connected Places Catapult is a partner in the HS2 Innovation Accelerator programme.

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