SBRI Competition Rail Demonstrations: First of a Kind 2023

Key Features

Department for Transport and High Speed Rail partner launch 2023: First of a Kind Rail Competition

Programme:     Department for Transport

Award:     To be confirmed

Opens: 14th Jun 2023

Closes: 26th Jul 2023

! This scheme is now closed

Overview

The Department for Transport (DfT) and High Speed Rail Partner are launching a new Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition to develop demonstrators that offer innovations in Customer Experience, Reliable and Easy to Maintain Assets, Optimised Train Operations and High Speed Rail Partner Systems Installation.

The briefing event will take place in London or online on 14th June 2023 (10am-3.30pm). You can book your place here. During the event you will hear from the UK Government’s Rail Minister about the funding available and learn about the information you need to develop your project proposal. You will also hear from asset owners and integrators with an opportunity for you to present a two-minute elevator pitch to potential project partners.

The competition aims to develop demonstrators that offer innovations in:

  • Customer Experience
  • Reliable and Easy to Maintain Assets
  • Optimised Train Operations
  • High Speed Rail Systems Installation

Scope

The overarching principles for FOAK 2023 are Cost Efficiency and Increasing Value for Money.

The DfT competition strand has the following themes and requirements.

Priority themes:

  • Customer Experience
  • Reliable and Easy to Maintain Assets
  • Optimised Train Operations

To lead a project, you must:

  • Be an organisation of any size
  • Carry out your project work and demonstration in the UK

Applicants are welcome from all sectors. You can work alone or with other organisations as subcontractors.

Your project must involve:

  • An owner of railway assets (i.e. stations, rolling stock or infrastructure)
  • An experienced railway organisation
  • A rail organisation that has the potential to become a customer

You must also:

  • Include a potential integration partner
  • Have a letter of support from a potential customer organisation

The High Speed Rail partner competition strand has the following themes and requirements:

Priority themes:

High Speed Rail Systems Installation:

  • Slab Track Installation Processes
  • Cable Troughing and Cable Laying
  • Installation of ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) related equipment.
  • Tunnel Fit Out Installations
  • Electric Multi-Purpose Vehicles Deployment

To lead a project, you must:

  • Be an organisation of any size
  • Deliver a demonstration of your technology

Applicants are welcome from all sectors. You can work alone or with other organisations as subcontractors.

Your project is welcome to involve:

  • An owner of railway assets (i.e. stations, rolling stock, track machinery or infrastructure)
  • An experienced railway organisation
  • A rail organisation that has the potential to become a customer

You must also:

  • Include a potential integration partner

It can be challenging to access railway assets and get permission to make modifications. You are expected to develop your own relationships with railway asset owners and your integration partners.

Interested in applying for this competition?

Book an appointment to speak to one of our advisors to discuss your eligibility to apply for this Grant Funding opportunity.