London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has launched its fourth annual FutureLabs programme, which aims to support startups and SMEs in developing innovative solutions to the challenges facing the rail industry.
The 12-week programme provides participants with access to mentoring, funding, and opportunities to collaborate with LNER's teams. This year's cohort includes six startups working on a range of projects. These have included this year’s Cohort Winner, Automedi whose project was 3D printing that turns plastic waste into usable products alongside wearable technology that assesses the risk of manual handling injuries for rail workers.
Frances Walker, head of digital experience strategy at LNER, said: “LNER FutureLabs is an important pillar in our strategy to put technology at the heart of our operations and our customers’ journey. We are really proud to support startups in providing the real-world opportunity, experience, and knowledge needed to bring these innovators’ ideas to life.
“Implementing new practices and ways of thinking plays a huge role in driving forward the rail industry. We are incredibly proud of the results garnered by the programme to date, and we are delighted to continue this work.”
Other start-up projects that took part in the project included Algae Bioreactors, which deploys algae bioreactors to capture carbon from the atmosphere, real-time train tracking and computer vision for accessibility.
Ethar Alali, Chief Executive Officer of Automedi, this year’s Cohort Winner said: “Being able to develop our product for the rail industry with LNER support is a truly invaluable experience. It is also hugely inspiring to see transport providers like LNER take action to adopt new methods that strengthen commitments to sustainability and responsible business.”
The six companies presented their technologies at a live demonstration event that took place at York St John University and was attended by over a 100 rail industry leaders. The event has been successful in acting as a springboard for companies and innovations in past cohorts. The programme has in the past, helped develop a smart ticketing system that allows passengers to buy and manage their tickets through a mobile app and noise-cancelling technology that reduces noise levels in trains.
Video Credit: LNER
Photo Credit: LNER
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