Innovate UK, in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT), has launched the First of a Kind (FOAK) 2025 competition series under the Contracts for Innovation programme. This initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions within the UK rail industry by addressing critical challenges through targeted funding opportunities. The FOAK 2025 competitions focus on four key themes: Platform Train Interfaces, Personal Safety, Bridge Strikes, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Complex Processes. Organisations are invited to apply for a share of up to £4.7 million, inclusive of VAT, to develop prototypes, conduct field testing, and demonstrate their solutions.
Overview of the FOAK 2025 Competitions
The FOAK Programme is designed to foster collaboration between the government and the rail industry, facilitating the integration of high-maturity innovations into the railway system. By focusing on specific themes, the programme aims to address pressing industry challenges and support suppliers in achieving market readiness.
Each competition theme targets a distinct aspect of railway operations, encouraging applicants to propose solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems. Projects are expected to start by 1st September 2025 and conclude by 31st March 2026, with durations ranging from three to seven months. The maximum allowable project cost is £200,000, inclusive of VAT.
Competition Themes
1. Platform Train Interface (PTI)
The PTI theme seeks innovative solutions to enhance the interface between train station platforms and trains, focusing on accessibility, safety, and efficiency. Challenges at the PTI are significant, with the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) reporting that incidents in this area account for nearly half of all passenger fatality risks on the mainline railway. Additionally, over one million mobility-related assists involving the PTI were recorded in 2023, highlighting the need for improved solutions.
Applicants are encouraged to develop solutions that are low-cost, minimally disruptive to install, interoperable between different stations and trains, and easy to operate by staff or customers. The goal is to improve the overall process and experience of accessible boarding while maintaining current dwell times.
2. Personal Safety
The Personal Safety theme addresses the need for innovative solutions to enhance the safety of passengers and staff within the railway environment. While specific details are not provided in the available sources, it is understood that this theme focuses on developing technologies and strategies to mitigate risks and improve the overall safety experience in stations, on trains, and in other railway facilities.
3. Bridge Strikes
Bridge strikes, incidents where vehicles collide with railway bridges, pose significant safety risks and operational disruptions. The Bridge Strikes theme seeks solutions to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact on the railway network. Innovations may include detection systems, warning mechanisms, or structural modifications designed to reduce the frequency and severity of bridge strikes.
4. AI for Complex Processes
The AI for Complex Processes theme focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize and manage intricate railway operations. This includes applications such as predictive maintenance, scheduling, resource allocation, and other areas where AI can enhance efficiency and decision-making. Solutions should demonstrate the potential to integrate into existing systems and deliver measurable improvements in performance.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible for the FOAK 2025 competitions, projects must:
- Start by 1st September 2025 and end by 31st March 2026.
- Last between three to seven months.
- Have total costs of no more than £200,000, inclusive of VAT.
Applicants can be organisations of any size and may work alone or with subcontracted skills and expertise from businesses, research organisations, or third-sector groups. Proposals must demonstrate a high maturity level, at Rail Industry Readiness Level (RIRL) 5 or above, indicating readiness for integration into an operational railway environment.
The application process involves detailing how the solution aligns with the chosen theme, the plan for prototype development and testing, and the anticipated benefits to railway stakeholders and customers. A key deliverable is a demonstration event and trial in a representative environment, allowing for effective evaluation and feedback from potential customers and industry representatives.
Funding and Support
The FOAK 2025 competitions offer a total funding budget of up to £4.7 million across the four themes. This funding is provided through procurement contracts, with projects expected to focus on research and development activities, including solution exploration, design, prototyping, and field-testing. Contracts for Innovation competitions involve procurement of R&D services at fair market value and are not subject to subsidy control criteria that typically apply to grant funding.
Innovate UK and the DfT encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to making the application process accessible to everyone. Support is available for applicants who have a disability or long-term condition and face barriers in applying.
Next Steps
For a free consultation to discuss your project idea, contact RedKnight today.
