The government has launched a £5 million competition to support pioneering technologies aimed at transforming the passenger experience on Britain’s railways.
Delivered by Innovate UK in partnership with the Department for Transport, the First of a Kind (FOAK) competition is now open for applications. The programme offers grant funding to help bring new ideas to life on the railway network, encouraging adoption by train operators, freight companies, and Network Rail.
Now in its eighth year, FOAK has already awarded more than £58 million to 179 projects, driving innovation across the sector. This year’s competition will focus on passenger-first solutions, in line with the government’s Plan for Change to improve services, boost accessibility, enhance safety, and cut carbon.
This year’s themes, shaped in consultation with industry, target four key areas. Projects improving passenger experience and safety are particularly encouraged, including tools to report anti-social behaviour and help reduce violence against women and girls. Another priority is accessibility, especially technologies that enable level boarding, allowing disabled passengers to travel independently.
The competition also seeks AI and data-driven solutions for smarter rail operations, such as detecting infrastructure faults and improving incident response. In addition, greener technologies that reduce waste and emissions will be supported, helping to make the railway more sustainable.
Blake Richmond, Chief Operating Officer at Resonate commented: “The railway industry is at a pivotal moment, with growing demand for smarter, more accessible, and more sustainable travel, and it’s a welcome sight to see this year’s ‘First of a Kind’ competition placing such clear emphasis on transforming the passenger experience through innovation.”
“Government support plays a crucial role in unlocking the potential of new technologies to give ambitious ideas the chance to be tested, refined, and adopted across the network. From accessibility and passenger safety to AI and sustainability, the focus areas for this year’s competition are well aligned with the real needs of the UK’s railway.”
“Meaningful change comes from close collaboration between the public sector, industry leaders, and innovators, and we look forward to engaging with the FOAK programme and helping to build a rail system that works better for everyone.”
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