Rail Grand Challenge for UK SMEs launched
Posted: 20 April 2016 | | No comments yet
Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) has joined forces with Alstom to launch the Rail Grand Challenge competition for UK small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The Rail Grand Challenge has been launched today to generate and develop new innovations for the rail industry. The competition is open to SMEs with a £50,000 prize available for the best innovative idea for rail. The winner will also have the opportunity to work with Alstom to see their concept realised on the railway network.
Rail Grand Challenge winner will see their concept realised on the railway network
Alstom Innovation Manager Ouahcene Ourahmoune commented: “UK SMEs have a world-class record of innovation and generating solutions to some of the biggest challenges in science, technology and engineering. The Rail Grand Challenge Competition reflects our desire to work even closer with these businesses. Alstom is already pursuing exciting new ideas in this area, but together we believe we can achieve so much more. I am excited to see the innovative entries we receive for the competition and look forward to working with the winners.”
“With the support of Alstom we are hopeful that the winning entry will lead to big things”
TSC Rail Business Director Richard Jones commented: “We’re extremely excited to be working with Alstom on this competition which we think reflects some of the excellent work being undertaken by SMEs in the UK transport industry. The Rail Grand Challenge is an excellent opportunity for an up-and-coming business to work with one of the biggest names in the rail industry. With the support of Alstom we are hopeful that the winning entry will lead to big things for the company involved.”
Areas of focus include:
- Safety: Improving the safety of track workers in proximity to an operational railway
- Products:
- Miniaturisation: reducing the size of products to make more space for passengers on trains, for example
- Improving reliability
- Technology:
- Opportunities to deploy big data analytics/internet of things applications in the rail supply sector
- Opportunities to transfer existing technological solutions in other sectors to the rail supply sector
- Process:
- Developing a systematic approach to delivering process improvement in the rail supply sector
- Improving manufacturing, installation and maintenance processes
Stay Connected with Global Railway Review — Subscribe for Free!
Get exclusive access to the latest rail industry insights from Global Railway Review — all tailored to your interests.
✅ Expert-Led Webinars – Gain insights from global industry leaders
✅ Weekly News & Reports – Rail project updates, thought leadership, and exclusive interviews
✅ Partner Innovations – Discover cutting-edge rail technologies
✅ Print/Digital Magazine – Enjoy two in-depth issues per year, packed with expert content
Choose the updates that matter most to you. Sign up now to stay informed, inspired, and connected — all for free!
Thank you for being part of our community. Let’s keep shaping the future of rail together!
