HS2 Ltd is calling on small technology specialists and innovators from across the country to bolster efforts to reset and streamline Britain’s largest infrastructure programme. The move comes as Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd’s Chief Executive, leads a comprehensive review focused on ensuring the railway is built efficiently and at the lowest reasonable cost.
Applications have opened for the eighth round of the HS2 Innovation Accelerator programme, a partnership with the Connected Places Catapult. This round is specifically focused on the project’s “reset,” creating unique opportunities for tech specialists from outside the traditional rail industry to tackle three core challenges: improving value for money, enhancing site visibility and productivity, and strengthening safety management.
Solutions devised by these specialists will be crucial in embedding a culture of cost control, efficiency, and high performance as the project progresses.
A Unique Opportunity for Innovators
The Innovation Accelerator, first launched in 2020, has already delivered significant cost savings, created jobs, and driven investment into small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). This latest round offers innovators a chance to contribute directly to the railway’s future.
Jon Kelly, HS2 Ltd’s senior innovation manager, 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.”
Track Record of Success
The programme’s alumni have already achieved considerable success. Since 2020, the accelerator has supported 37 small tech firms, resulting in 31 pilot projects across the rail development and realising more than £50 million in cost-savings.
Furthermore, the involvement with HS2 has served as a launchpad for the firms, with more than 40% of alumni now working on other projects across the supply chain. Collectively, they have raised over £240 million in investment and funding, and more than doubled their team headcounts, creating over 580 new jobs.
Alan Peters, Rail Director at Connected Places Catapult, said: “Digital technology promises major gains for large rail projects such as HS2, and I am delighted to announce that the eighth iteration of this successful accelerator programme is now open.”
Applications for the eighth round of the HS2 Innovation Accelerator programme close on 31st October 2025. Twelve finalists will be selected, with six ultimately given the opportunity to accelerate and scale their demonstration into a trial project with HS2.
For more information, visit https://cp.catapult.org.uk/opportunity/hs2-accelerator-8-0/
