UK’s £5M Rail Innovation Fund: 26 FOAK Projects

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Introduction

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has allocated £5 million ($6.7 million) to fund 26 projects aimed at improving passenger experience on the railway, as announced on September 3, 2025. These projects, part of the First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) competition, focus on enhancing safety, security, and operational efficiency in collaboration with Network Rail and train operators.

Funding and Project Scope

The DfT’s £5 million ($6.7 million) funding package supports 26 “innovative” projects. The FOAK competition involves DfT, Innovate UK, Network Rail, and various train operators. The projects focus on enhancing safety at railway platforms, improving passenger security, and reducing incidents involving vehicles colliding with railway bridges. The projects’ aim is to increase the potential for adoption by train operators and freight companies, with testing scheduled in the coming months.

Key Projects and Technologies

IntelliPan Network, one of the funded projects, utilizes AI to identify faults in overhead lines. SafeRide 5G enables passengers to report incidents securely via onboard Wi-Fi. Previous FOAK competition winners include the Portable Track Geometry Measurement System.

Statements and Objectives

UK Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy stated that the winning projects are using cutting-edge technology to address major challenges in the rail industry. Mike Biddle, Net Zero at Innovate UK executive director, noted that the FOAK rail program seeks to identify and support outstanding, innovative solutions. The projects aim to improve rail services and infrastructure, encouraging increased train usage, and supporting growth in line with the government’s Plan for Change.

Regulatory Context

In March 2025, the UK DfT announced updates to seven National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs) for railways. This followed a review aimed at improving safety, reliability, technical compatibility, accessibility, and environmental standards.

Conclusion

The UK DfT is investing £5 million in 26 projects designed to improve railway services and passenger experience. The projects, part of the FOAK competition, are expected to enhance safety, security, and operational efficiency, with testing commencing in the coming months. The initiative aligns with the government’s strategic goals for the rail sector.

Company Summary

Department for Transport (DfT): The UK government department responsible for transport policy and infrastructure.

Innovate UK: The UK’s innovation agency.

Network Rail: The owner and infrastructure manager of most of the railway network in Great Britain.

Technology

AI: Artificial Intelligence

SafeRide 5G: A technology that enables passengers to report incidents.

Portable Track Geometry Measurement System: A system that provides engineers with immediate track data.

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