HS2 launches new innovation accelerator to help get the railway back on track

Credit: HS2

On 23 September 2025, HS2 Ltd announced the launch of the eighth round of its Innovation Accelerator programme. This initiative, run in partnership with Connected Places Catapult, is specifically aimed at supporting the ongoing “reset” of the high-speed rail project.

HS2’s Chief Executive, Mark Wild, is currently leading a comprehensive review of the programme to ensure it is built efficiently and at the lowest reasonable cost. The accelerator is now calling on small technology specialists and start-ups to contribute their expertise to this goal. The focus is on generating innovative ideas to streamline delivery, improve productivity, and deliver value for money.

The latest round of the programme centres on three key challenges aligned with the reset: improving value for money, enhancing site visibility and productivity, and strengthening safety management. Successful applicants will develop solutions intended to embed a culture of cost control and high performance as the project progresses.

Jon Kelly, HS2 Ltd’s senior innovation manager, stated, “Getting HS2 back on track is our number one priority and this is a unique opportunity for the country’s very best innovators to get on board and help us to achieve our goal.” He acknowledged the project’s progress in 2025, including the completion of its longest bridge and tunnel, but emphasised the continued need for new technology to complete major construction milestones quickly, safely, and efficiently.

Since its inception in 2020, the HS2 Innovation Accelerator has supported 37 small tech firms. These companies have secured 31 pilot projects with HS2, leading to reported cost savings of over £50 million. The programme has also had a significant impact on the participants themselves; more than 40% of alumni now work on other projects across the supply chain. These firms have collectively raised over £240 million in investment and created more than 580 new jobs, more than doubling their team sizes.

Alan Peters, Rail Director at Connected Places Catapult, said, “Digital technology promises major gains for large rail projects such as HS2, and I am delighted to announce that the eighth iteration of this successful accelerator programme is now open.”

Applications for the accelerator opened on 23 September 2025 and will close on 31 October 2025. The process will select twelve finalists, from which six firms will be chosen to scale their demonstrations into trial projects with HS2. Further information can be found on the Connected Places Catapult website.