The programme is calling upon SME tech companies to create innovative solutions to boost HS2’s delivery
The HS2 reset accelerator aims to support the project’s comprehensive review, aiming to reduce costs and enhance the speed and efficiency of delivery.
This will be the eighth round of the HS2 Innovation Accelerator programme.
The HS2 reset accelerator will support startups and small businesses
In partnership with the Connected Places Catapult, this accelerator programme will give opportunities to small tech innovators to design and implement new solutions for the challenges facing HS2.
The project was first launched in 2020, and has lead to the creation of hundreds of jobs, driven investment for many SME’s, and saved costs for several aspects of HS2.
For this particular round of the programme, the challenges to be addressed are improving value for money, enhancing site visibility and productivity, and strengthening safety management.
Applications are open for tech companies to propose their solutions, develop products, and bring forward solutions to these issues.
HS2 Ltd’s senior innovation manager, Jon Kelly said:“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.
“2025 has been a huge year for the project, with both the longest bridge and longest tunnel reaching completion. There is, however, still a vast amount to do. We must continue exploring new tech and innovative solutions to help us complete major construction milestones quickly, safely and efficiently.”
Applications for the current round of the programme opened yesterday 23 September, and will close on 31 October, with twelve finalists who will then be halved to six winners. More information and applications can be found here.
The last round boosted artificial intelligence in the programme
In September last year, six firms were announced to benefit from the HS2 innovation accelerator, and were given 20 weeks of business support to implement their software solutions.
The solutions led to the streamlining of design approval, document review, design creation, and the creation of a circular economy. The six firms that received these benefits were BuildPrompt, Document Crunch, Morta, Madaster, Simalytica, and Xinaps.
Jon Kelly, senior innovation manager at HS2 Ltd, said: “Through HS2’s Accelerator programme we are maintaining the flow of new ideas and technology into both delivering high speed rail in the UK as it transitions from civil engineering works to rail systems.
“Future application of technologies developed on HS2 have the potential to drive efficiencies across the construction and rail industries.”
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