The First of a Kind programme provides funding to support innovation in the rail sector. The programme supports innovative projects that aim to improve the passenger experience and address operational challenges on the railways.
For 2025, contracts are available for the development and testing of innovative solutions that address one or more of the following themes:
- Platform Train Interface (PTI): designing innovative solutions to make the PTI more accessible, safer, and more efficient for all passengers
- Personal Safety: developing tools and technologies to identify, mitigate and respond to personal safety incidents on the railway
- Bridge Strikes: creating solutions to prevent bridge strikes and reduce their impact when they occur
- AI for Complex Processes: applying artificial intelligence to automate and optimise complex rail operations, improve decision-making, increase sustainability and minimise waste.
Total project costs should be no more than £200,000, inclusive of VAT: contracts up to this value will be awarded to develop a prototype and undertake field testing. Projects should last between three to seven months and must be completed by 31 March 2026.
Organisations of any size can apply.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Contracts up to £200,000 for organisations with innovative rail projects that will ultimately improve the passenger experience and address operational challenges.
Application deadline:
28 May 2025