Early visualisation of the HS2 high-speed train.
Early visualisation of the HS2 high-speed train.

Innovation

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Britain's new high-speed railway

From Dundee to Devon, over 3,500 UK businesses are already helping to build Britain’s new high-speed railway.

Companies in every region and nation of the UK are benefiting from HS2 supply chain opportunities.

More than 90% of contracts have gone to UK businesses, with over 70% going to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

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Innovation Accelerator Programme

We run the Innovation Accelerator programme with support from Connected Places Catapult and in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT).

The programme supports SMEs in developing technologies and solutions for HS2. We provide participating businesses with technical, commercial and financial support. They also get opportunities to secure funded pilot projects with us and our supply chain.

The programme brings new ideas and technology into the rail and construction sectors. This improves efficiencies, saves costs and creates new commercial opportunities.

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Driving growth and delivering value

Since launching in 2020, the Innovation Accelerator has supported 37 small tech firms. These firms have collectively secured 31 pilot projects across the railway, saving more than £50 million in costs. More than 40% of firms now work on other projects and contracts across the supply chain. They have raised over £240 million in investment and funding, more than doubled their team headcounts, and created over 580 new jobs.

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Last updated:

10th Dec 2025