2: Future-proofing Operations
HS2 Accelerator 7.0
High Speed 2 Limited (HS2) has launched its search for six small businesses to develop new tech business cases and funded pilot projects for rail.
Opportunity Details
When
Registration Opens
12/09/2024
Registration Closes
13/10/2024
Award
Selected SMEs will participate in a bespoke 20-week programme with project scoping workshops, business case development, bespoke coaching and mentoring, funded project opportunities, industry events and showcase opportunities.
Organisation
DFT
High Speed 2 Limited (HS2), supported by Connected Places Catapult and in partnership with the Department for Transport, has launched its search for six small businesses to develop new technology business cases and funded pilot projects for the rail scheme.
The six successful SMEs will be accelerated through a bespoke 20-week programme involving:
- Project scoping workshops with domain experts and challenge owners from within HS2, the Department for Transport, and the wider industry.
- Business case development with support from HS2 innovation managers and programme mentors.
- Investment readiness support including opportunities to meet investors and coaching on raising investment and refining investment and financing strategies.
- Bespoke business coaching from a consortium of mentors and technical experts with specialisms in areas including marketing & branding, product development and commercial strategy.
There will also be funded project opportunities, industry events & showcase opportunities available.
Since its launch in September 2020, the HS2 Accelerator has supported 31 small businesses which have collectively secured 24 pilot projects across HS2 – with more to be expected in the upcoming months from our sixth cohort. These businesses have raised over £220 million in investment & funding, and more than doubled their team headcount since participating – creating over 430 new jobs for the UK.
On Monday 23 September, 10.30am-noon, Connected Places Catapult will host an Application Support Webinar. This event will give applicants the opportunity to find out more about the programme offering, challenges, the application process, scoring criteria and the assessment process. There will also be a live Q&A for prospective applicants to ask any further questions or check their eligibility. Click here to register for a webinar place.
Programme challenges:
1: Automating Asset Management
- How can we identify, monitor and manage the condition of rail assets?
- How can we ensure the integrity and accuracy of asset condition data throughout its lifecycle?
- How can we detect cybersecurity vulnerabilities and safeguard critical rail systems (such as signalling, telecoms, controls etc) from cyber threats?
- How can we identify, monitor and prevent hazards, obstructions, unauthorised access, and trespassing in real-time?
3: Maximising Site Productivity
- How can we automate on-site installation and fit-out (including civils, stations and rail systems) to improve productivity and reduce risk?
To be eligible, applicants must be:
- A micro, small or medium sized enterprise (SME).
- Headquartered or based within the UK or Europe.
- Committed to attend in-person project scoping workshops, engagement activities, and programme events with sponsors and stakeholders across HS2 and supply chain.
Solutions must have a Technology Readiness Level of at least TRL 5. This means that the solution has been tested or demonstrated in its intended environment.
If you have any questions about the programme and application, please contact Jasmine Pollock, Accelerator Programme Manager, Connected Places Catapult, on jasmine.pollock@cp.catapult.org.uk