42 Technology wins Alstom development fund

42 Technology has been announced as the winner of a £50,000 grant in Alstom’s SME Rail Grand Challenge.

The Rail Grand Challenge for small and medium enterprises aimed to generate and develop new innovations in rail transport, whilst forging closer links between Alstom and UK businesses. 42 Technology will have the opportunity to work with Alstom to bring our concept to the railway network. The Transport Systems Catapult, who managed the competition, will support the process to ensure the best possible chance of the innovation reaching the market.

The level of entries we have had in for the Rail Grand Challenge has been outstanding and a real testament to the innovation and skill of rail SMEs in the UK. Alstom is a huge supporter of innovation and we are excited to work with 42 Technology, who just topped the field with their idea.

As a result of the competition we have forged links with all the finalists and, whilst 42 Technology take home the top prize, we look forward to working with everyone in the future.

Five companies were shortlisted for the final prize including eventual winners 42 Technology, Vivacity Labs, OpenCapacity, Dependable Real Time Systems (DRTS) LTD and Tinsley Bridge Group. Standards were high enough to ensure that Alstom will now pursue further development with all five SMEs.

The TSC is delighted with the success of the Rail Grand Challenge and all involved with it – all the entrants did themselves proud, showcasing the high level of transport innovation in the UK. Getting this type of commercial funding and support for UK businesses and connection to the supply chain for a global company like Alstom is what the Catapult network is about. We are pleased to say that we are now in talks with Alstom Rail about running a further iteration of the Rail Grand Challenge.