Hitachi Rail and the Rail Innovation Group have launched a new initiative inviting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to pitch innovative solutions that could help address key challenges facing the UK’s light rail networks.
The Hitachi Rail SME Ecosystem Pitch Day: Light Rail, scheduled for 23 March in Sheffield, will bring together SMEs, industry stakeholders and decision-makers to explore new technologies and approaches that could enhance passenger experience, sustainability and digital rail systems.
Companies interested in participating must submit their applications by 9 March 2026, with selected organisations invited to present their solutions directly to Hitachi Rail’s technical, innovation and commercial teams, alongside other industry representatives.
The pitching session forms part of a wider Light Rail Conference in Sheffield and is designed to create direct dialogue between innovative suppliers and major rail industry buyers.
Focus on key light rail challenges
The initiative is seeking solutions that address three key challenge areas currently affecting light rail systems across the UK.
The first focuses on end-of-life systems, where many networks are constrained by ageing infrastructure and tightly coupled technologies that make upgrades and integration more complex. Hitachi Rail is seeking new approaches that can simplify system interfaces, extend asset life and enable more modular, cost-effective renewal programmes.
A second priority is asset management, particularly new methods of collecting meaningful condition and performance data that can support predictive and prescriptive maintenance. Solutions that complement platforms such as Hitachi Rail’s HMAX asset management system are of particular interest.
The final challenge centres on real-time passenger information, with a focus on delivering accurate and integrated journey updates across complex networks. Reliable information can significantly improve passenger confidence, particularly during disruption.
Solutions should ideally be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6–9, meaning they are either demonstrated in an operational environment or already deployed in live transport systems.
Additional opportunities for SMEs
Alongside the pitch day, the Rail Innovation Group is also hosting a series of “Munch & Learn” webinars exploring emerging digital technologies within the rail sector.
The upcoming sessions include:
- 25 March – Prototyping with AI: Turning Ideas into Something Real
A session exploring how organisations can rapidly develop AI-powered prototypes and generate evidence before scaling ideas. REGISTER HERE - 15 April – Agents in Rail: SME Case Studies
A discussion featuring small companies that have developed digital agents to support rail operators and improve customer services. REGISTER HERE
Through initiatives such as these, Hitachi Rail and the Rail Innovation Group aim to strengthen collaboration between major industry players and innovative SMEs, helping accelerate the development of smarter, more efficient and passenger-focused light rail systems.
