The aim of the competition is Enhancing customer experience in rail travel. It is designed to address business challenges in the area of customer experience.
A competition briefing, online or in person is an opportunity to receive information about the competition's scope, application process and key dates. It is also the chance to meet and network with peers, potential partners, market leaders and innovators in the industry.
The joint initiative is to support business innovation in digital technologies that improve the customer experience in UK and international rail markets. The initiative will be under the direction of its Technical Strategy Leadership Group (TSLG), and with funds under the stewardship of the rail industry body RSSB.
Proposals must be collaborative and business-led and must clearly present the benefits to business and the impact of the innovation on UK rail. Industrial research projects in which a business partner will generally attract up to 50% public funding for project costs (60% for SMEs), advises the organisers.
It is expected that the total cost of projects to range from £250,000 to £2million, although larger projects may be considered.
Applications are invited now, with a deadline to register of noon, 15 April 2015. The deadline for expressions of interest is noon, 22 April 2015.
A briefing event for potential applicants will be held in London on Wednesday 18 March 2015.
