In association with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the FutureRailway Team, and the Department for Transport (DfT) intend to identify passenger rolling stock designs that will provide a glimpse of the future and showcase the capability of the rolling stock supply chain to deliver key elements of the design to the rail industry. The aim is to identify and demonstrate design solutions that tackle the following challenges:
Long-term horizon designs for rolling stock that push the envelope of what can be delivered, by rolling stock, against the industry's high-level objectives (4Cs) of reducing costs and carbon emissions whilst increasing capacity and customer satisfaction.
Medium-term time horizon designs for rolling stock interiors with a focus on flexibility and adaptability to meet different service requirements.
This competition invites architects, engineers and designers worldwide to propose new ideas to improve the design of passenger rolling stock across the UK rail network and assist with addressing both emerging challenges and the long-term aspirations for the GB railway.
SBRI is a mechanism which enables public sector bodies to connect with innovative ideas and technology businesses to provide innovative solutions to specific public sector challenges and needs.
The public sector is able to find innovative solutions by reaching out to organisations from different sectors including small and emerging businesses. New technical solutions are created through accelerated technology development, whilst risk is reduced through a phased development programme. SBRI also provides applicants with a transparent competitive and a reliable source of early-stage funding.
SBRI competitions are open to all organisations that can demonstrate a route to market for their solution. The SBRI scheme is particularly suited to small and medium-sized business, as the contracts are of relatively small value and operate on short timescales. Developments are 100% funded and focus on specific identified needs, increasing the chance of exploitation. Suppliers for each project will be selected by an open competition process and retain the intellectual property generated from the project, with certain rights of use retained by the contracting Authority. This is an excellent opportunity to establish an early customer for a new technology and to fund its development.
The competition is being administered by RIBA Competitions, to whom any enquiries relating to the general conditions of this competition should be addressed.