The Sheffield City Region (SCR) DIGI-RAIL initiative is targeting local SMEs with potential to design or supply innovative new solutions for the railways. To help accelerate products to market and champion the Sheffield City Region within the global rail industry, Unipart Rail is facilitating a key part of the programme.
In collaboration with University of Birmingham's renowned Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE), Unipart Rail in Doncaster is providing professional mentoring services. Paul Morris, Senior Research and Innovation Manager, said "This is an exciting outreach project that's aligned with an internal drive to bring more technological innovation for the benefit of our rail customers and their users. Our experience and position in the supply chain enables us to put specific emphasis on developing regional businesses with free* coaching for eligible businesses."
The great thing about this project is that businesses don't need to have worked in the rail sector previously. In fact, via the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, we're actively seeking new entrants from the diverse talent that exists in our locality. Paul continued "We want to encourage technology from other sectors into rail, and because of our broad technical knowledge at Unipart Rail, we can coach others through the intricacies of rail systems AND the approvals mechanisms - which can be tricky if you've not dealt with them before."
We can help SMEs find a route to the rail market via our integrated team of innovators, World class researchers and product managers, providing EDRF funded 12 hours of free business or product support. We are now taking expressions of interest for the first cohort of DIGI-RAIL companies, so if you're seeking diversification for your SCR business, have a brand new digital concept, or offer a mature transferable solution, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Read more about our approach to innovation here.
Apply to join our programme here.
Watch a video about the programme here.
*State Aid Rules Apply
Adding Value with Increased Digital, Increased Performance, Delivered Innovation, Optimised Costs and Reduced Risk.
