HS2 Ltd has announced the first five tech firms that will join its Innovation Accelerator programme, focusing on HS2’s innovation challenges – productivity, the environment and the circular economy
The companies chosen will receive commercial and technical support from the Innovation Accelerator together with rent-free working space as they develop their technology to help deliver Europe’s largest infrastructure project.
After six months of development inside the Accelerator, the firms’ solutions will be showcased and pitched to industry investors and HS2’s supply chain, consisting of the thousands of companies ranging from the largest international engineers to specialist suppliers to the project.
The five tech companies joining the programme include Buildots, Cloudcycle, Dendra Systems, NatureMetrics, Sensat.
All five start their HS2 development work this September.
HS2 has now opened the Innovation Accelerator online portal to the second round of applications and is looking for small and medium-sized firms specialising in the areas of process efficiencies and passenger experience through HS2 stations.
Entrepreneurs and tech specialists are invited to apply to join the Innovation Accelerator before the portal closes on 18 September.
Validating technology
Buildots CEO & co-founder, Roy Danon, said: “Being selected to be part of the Innovation Accelerator is a great opportunity for Buildots to take part in the impressive HS2 project.
“It’s a perfect fit for our company as we are just starting to grow outside London and into new types of projects.”
Cloudcycle founder and CEO Phillip White, said: “Being selected to be part of the HS2 Innovation Accelerator we have the opportunity to work on Europe’s largest infrastructure projects with unprecedented access to the whole supply chain from concrete suppliers, construction companies and HS2 itself.
“Without this, we would be unable to validate our technology or prove the value it brings to the whole supply chain and the environment.”
Dendra Systems CEO and co-founder, Dr Susan Graham, commented: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to participate in the HS2 accelerator. As a company focused on restoring native ecosystems, the HS2 Green Corridor Programme is exactly the type of work we want to focus on.
“We look forward to adapting our technology to this operating environment and together achieving the environmental rehabilitation goals for ambitious projects such as HS2.”
NatureMetrics CEO Katie Critchlow, said: “We’re so excited to get onto the HS2 accelerator. We want to demonstrate how our DNA-based monitoring technology can increase the power and pace of ecological surveys in the global green transport sector.
“Learning how to engage major projects like HS2 will enable us to triple our revenue from the UK and international customers over the next two years.”
Sensat CEO James Dean, added: “HS2 is an opportunity not only to build a world-class railway but a legacy for the UK as a world-class technology-led engineering economy.
“I’m delighted that Sensat has the opportunity to not only partake in this but contribute to significantly helping the delivery of our most important infrastructure”
