Four South East firms to showcase their technology in Future Labs programme
Four technology start-ups from the South East are among nine firms chosen by industry leaders to work alongside four UK train operators to support innovation on the railways.
It is part of the first-of-a-kind Future Labs programme - a joint initiative from operators London North Eastern Railway, Transpennine Express, Northern Trains and Southeastern.
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The companies will get the chance, on the 12 week scheme, to test and demonstrate their ideas and services in a real-world environment, with access to industry data, as well as mentorship.
Over 100 companies applied to be part of Future Labs, each proposing solutions within four categories - enhancing the customer experience; improving performance and operational excellence; developing people and talent, and a wildcard category.
Bedfordshire-based digital firm Cognition24 was among the nine chosen finalists. It offers a mobile app designed for individuals with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other hidden disabilities.
The tech provides real-time travel information for people in an accessible format before leaving home, at the station and onboard.
Elsewhere, London-based Cleancore Intelligence, also a finalist, tracks cleaning compliance and footfall, removing the need for manual record keeping.
Reading-based Treeva Turbines captures renewable energy from the turbulent airflow of passing transport.
The systems' modular design is easy to install and maintain and makes use of readily available land and could power infrastructure to support net-zero transport systems.
Meanwhile, Moonbility is a London-based Innovate-UK funded start-up, which specialises in predicting and simulating asset failures in the transport sector, helping companies to plan and mitigate any possible impacts.
Other firms selected included San Francisco-based Zing Data and Hamburg-based iqast.
Daniel Saunders, CEO of L Marks, which is running the Future Labs programme, said: "I was incredibly impressed by the entrepreneurs behind the nine companies that have been selected to join the programme and I’m excited to see how Future Labs will fast track these innovations to shape the future of the rail industry."
