A set of exciting new opportunities have opened up for SMEs and entrepreneurs across the rail industry, as HS2 Ltd revealed it was looking for inventive ideas on how the company processes data and uses digital technology to cut on their carbon emissions and increase construction site safety and security on the rail.
Today, HS2 Ltd has announced it is looking for five small industry firms to help produce new ideas, procedures and innovative technology that will help achieve the rail company’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint.
The other opportunity is for rail entrepreneurs, as HS2 wants ‘Innovation Accelerator entrants’ to join the third cohort of their Innovation Accelerator programme. The entrepreneurs must come up with ideas on how the company can use digital technology to improve health, safety and security on the railway.
The project’s specific targets include;
- raising the health and safety standards on major infrastructure projects
- managing and driving down risk to prevent injury
- strengthening security to protect construction site plant and machinery
HS2 Ltd Innovation Manager, Rob Cairns, said: “Innovation has a crucial role to play in cutting energy consumption and carbon emissions on HS2, so we’re looking for creative and fresh thinking on how to achieve this.”
“Since HS2 Ltd launched its Innovation Accelerator a year ago, two cohorts of five tech start-ups and SMEs have used their four months inside to develop technology while receiving commercial advice and technical support. The model is working as the majority have gone on to be successful and deliver proof of concepts with HS2 supply chain companies and joint ventures.”
“To date, across the two cohorts, the SMEs have secured venture capital investment, government-backed grant funding and eight commercially-funded pilots, as well as creating 18 new jobs. We are proud that the accelerator is acting as a catalyst for growth from small and medium enterprise business.”
Interested businesses can apply to join the HS2 Ltd programme here. Applications close on June 28, 2021.
