HS2 Ltd has picked six innovative UK SMEs to help it with rail systems and future maintenance.
The SMEs form the seventh cohort of the HS2 Innovation Accelerator programme, working in partnership with Connected Places Catapult and the Department for Transport.
During their 20 weeks on the Innovation Accelerator, the six firms will work with HS2 and its partners to refine each of their ideas. Afterwards, they will showcase their innovations to industry investors and HS2’s supply chain, with the potential to generate fresh business.
The six chosen SMEs are:
Archangel Imaging
Archangel Imaging’s AI-equipped security camera technology is already in use in the defence sector. The company will spend its time on the Accelerator programme refining its product to monitor security across HS2’s estate, stretching 140 miles between London and the West Midlands.
Complete Cyber
Complete Cyber will develop its product to bolster the security technology of the digital signalling that will operate HS2. It is also being introduced across the conventional rail network.
Machines for Construction
Machines for Construction’s robotic technology will be further developed to perform repetitive tasks such as installation of the overhead electric cables that will power the trains. Through a process of ‘practice makes perfect’ it will learn on the job to do tasks with increasing efficiency.
Mind Foundry
Mind Foundry will seek to harness its AI-enabled technology to help HS2 infrastructure engineers to monitor the condition of the line’s structures and equipment for performance changes. This will underpin the railway’s reliability by enabling a ‘predict-and-prevent’ approach to renewals and replacements.
PRAM
PRAM’s will refine its radar technology to help monitor and manage the condition of railway assets such as viaducts and embankment cuttings. Its real-time, data-driven intelligence has the potential to play an important role in supporting HS2’s reliability by assuring its civil structures.
StirlingX
StirlingX’s uncrewed aerial systems have the potential to inspect and monitor infrastructure and assets to identify risks and hazards, particularly in the conventional railway that was largely built in the 19th century.
According to HS2, the Innovation Accelerator has supported 37 small businesses since its launch in September 2020. The businesses have raised more than £220m in investment and funding, and more than doubled their headcount since participating, creating more than 430 new jobs in the UK.
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