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  • Innovation and suggestions scheme

    Smart ideas delivering value

  • We’re looking for innovative ideas to help us to deliver ever-improving value for our customers, passengers and stakeholders. 

    Someone, somewhere already has the answer; by engaging with our suppliers and academic partners, we can develop new solutions for our mutual benefit.

    If you can help us to solve one of our challenges, please send our Innovation team an outline of your idea using our online innovation and suggestions form.

    For more information on how we handle suggestions, including confidentiality and procurement concerns please read our frequently asked questions below.

     FAQs.


     

  • Bridge and train, 297x120

    Measure, monitor and manage

    We're looking for new ways of gathering and using asset condition and capability information to plan maintenance, prevent incidents and optimise whole-life cost.

    Measuring, monitoring and managing infrastructure challenges
    Track 297x120

    Novel materials and components

    We want to change what we use to make and maintain infrastructure to improve reliability and longevity. From sleepers to signals, electrification to earthworks.

    Novel materials and components challenges
     
    Working on track 297x120

    Process, people and plant

    We're looking for new equipment, techniques and processes to help us carry out engineering works safely, quickly, efficiently and with minimal disruption.

    Process, people and plant challenges
    Signal box 297x120

    Operating the railway

    Help us find new ways to deliver train paths and signalling, and  run our signalling systems, level crossings and key stations safely for our customers.

    Operating the railway challenges
     
     

  • Unlocking innovation


    Unlocking Innovation, a scheme run by the Railway Industry Association, helps remove the obstacles to innovation in the rail sector. It is open to all suppliers with a technological presence in the UK and capabilities that have the potential to benefit the rail sector at home or abroad.

      

  • We want your ideas!

    Submit a solution 
    SpacerTimelapse video showing the construction of Workington station

    Video: Time lapse film of the construction of a temporary station at Workington in six days.

    New Measurement Train video

    Video: The New Measurement Train, which rapidly assesses track condition, has led to a dramatic reduction in reportable faults.