DIGI-RAIL, a £3.1 million ERDF-funded rail innovation programme, provides long-term innovation support to eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), on developing digital products and services from initial concepts through to market introduction, for the railway industry. In addition, the project offers ‘get into rail’ seminars to help all businesses access rail opportunities throughout the year.
Having successfully helped multiple businesses across a range of projects including sensors, big data management, safety equipment, track development and application development, the programme is now on track to develop new and exciting relationships with further businesses across some of the West Midlands region.
Rachel Eade MBE, Supply Chain Lead says: we are ready to help both rail and non-rail companies to grow and access the rail sector by introducing the wide range of opportunities in track, rolling stock, technology, digital and infrastructure and need for innovation. We can help you understand the rail sector, the key players and various routes to market and support innovation projects.
With innovation at the forefront of programme, the DIGI-RAIL team have confirmed a schedule of events to introduce businesses to R&D, technical and business support.
Thursday 5 March 2020
08.30 – 10.00am, breakfast event
DIGI-RAIL expands into the Black Country
Inviting all Black Country based SMEs/ supply chain businesses to learn about DIGI-RAIL, how you can benefit from the project, access potential funding and hear from businesses that have benefitted from DIGI-RAIL support.
Digi-Rail expands into the Black Country event
Thursday 12 March 2020
09.00am – 16.00pm, all day event
Get into Digital Railway, and introduction to the Midland Metro Alliance
A unique and first-time opportunity for new to DIGI-RAIL businesses to learn about rail sector opportunities followed by introduction to the Midlands Metro expansion. To include a track side walk in Birmingham City Centre with an engineer. Rail and non-rail SMEs/supply chain businesses welcome, booking places are limited to 25 and will be confirmed within 24 hours of application.
Get into Digital Railway event
Wednesday 18 March – Thursday 19 March 2020
All day event
Smart Sensor Systems for Digital Railways - Masterclass
The two-day masterclass will enable SMEs to develop a good understanding of different sensor systems, their applications, and how they can be embedded in developing smart products.
Smart Sensor Systems for Digital Railways Masterclass
BCRRE has recently launched DIGI-RAIL, a 3-year project part-funded by ERDF and University of Birmingham. DIGI-RAIL will bring together national and international rail industry buyers with the region’s businesses and research expertise to solve challenges within the industry and access the increasing number of digital rail commercial/research opportunities that exist in the sector. For more information, visit the Digi-Rail webpage
The Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) is Europe’s largest specialist railway research, education and innovation centre. With over 170 academics, researchers and professional support staff, BCRRE provides world-class research and thought leadership within railways, and offers an expanding portfolio of high-quality education programmes. In 2018 BCRRE became lead partner in the £92m UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) and in 2019 it absorbed the activities of the Rail Alliance into its offering, increasing its breadth of support for innovation and growth in the rail industry. For more information, visit the BCRRE homepage