“If you have a product that you feel people can benefit from, that you feel is unique, then definitely reach out to the likes of Innovate UK, explore the opportunities you can get through research and development investment and absolutely go for it.” That was the message from FuelActive’s Niall Carroll, speaking to Railway Industry Association (RIA) Rail TV.
The voice of the UK rail supply community has released its latest episode on YouTube, which is hosted by its Innovation Director Milda Manomaityte, at Innovate UK’s Rail Innovation Exhibition 2023. The event in Birmingham brought together more than 500 delegates from industry, research, trade associations and government, including Network Rail, integrators and train operators.
You can view the episode here.
Offering advice on funding, Siemens Mobility’s Richard Ollerenshaw told RIA Rail TV: “Don’t start from a technology, start from a problem that has a real business case in the industry. There are millions of technologies out there seeking funding, what we need is solutions to real railway problems.
“Don’t underestimate the challenges not in the technology, it is the integrating into a very big, complex railway system, so allow yourself time to understand, research and properly handle the integration of your new innovation with the wider railway network.”
The event featured industry leaders who are transforming UK rail through the development of solutions to reduce emissions, create more efficiencies, improve customer experience and making the railway accessible and inclusive.
For RIA Rail TV, Milda spoke with exhibitors, innovators and various suppliers to understand what was the journey for them from the beginning of their idea receiving funding going through various accelerators and what is next once the proof of concept has been developed. It features interviews with Trough-Tec Systems, Siemens Mobility, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, FuelActive, Transmission Dynamics, Zircon Software, MimiCrete, CrossTech, One Big Circle
Milda said: “It was fantastic to be at the Rail Innovation Conference 2023 and to speak to suppliers about some of the fascinating products that are transforming the industry. There is a wealth of opportunities and support out there to help get the idea onto the railway.”
RIA Rail TV was first launched in 2021 as a new, modern and dynamic communications channel – showcasing some of the fantastic work RIA members are doing to support the railway industry.
You can watch the full episode here.
