HS2 Ltd has launched a call for technology specialists working outside of the railway industry to support the proposed reset of the project to construct the new 225km high-speed line between London, Birmingham and Handsacre Junction.
With chief executive, Mark Wild, currently undertaking a much-publicised review of the project, which is suffering from cost overruns, small technology firms are invited to submit ideas for products and solutions that will help HS2 Ltd offer better value for money, enhance site visibility and productivity, and strengthen safety management.
“Solutions devised by the specialists will drive best practice and ensure a culture of cost control, efficiency and high performance is embedded as the project progresses over the coming years,” HS2 Ltd says.
The initiative is being run in partnership with the Connected Places Catapult through HS2’s Innovation Accelerator programme, which was first launched in 2020. The scheme offers start-ups and innovators the opportunity to design and test new solutions to address the project’s complex challenges. Previous rounds have already led to significant cost savings, supported hundreds of jobs and encouraged investment in small and medium-sized enterprises.
The eighth round of the programme specifically focuses on HS2’s reset. Applications close on October 31. Six winners will be selected from 12 finalists and will be offered the chance to accelerate and scale-up their demonstration in a trial project with HS2. Interested firms can apply via the HS2 Innovation Accelerator portal.
“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,” says HS2 Ltd’s senior innovation manager, Jon Kelly.
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