About the event

Unlocking Innovation - Rail Freight

Wednesday 22 February, Doncaster

UKRRIN Innovation Hub at Unipart Rail

 

Rail freight was the first to recover from the pandemic, with the domestic intermodal market taking the lead. The months of lockdown have also opened opportunities for previously untapped markets, such as light freight delivery directly to city centres using converted passenger trains. 

Unlocking Innovation - Rail Freight will explore the innovative solutions in both heavy and light freight, with keynotes from key clients and freight operators, as well as pitch presentations from suppliers.  

RIA's Unlocking Innovation programme is supported by Network Rail's R&D Portfolio and the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), of which RIA is a founding member. The event is hosted by Unipart Rail at the UKRRIN Innovation Hub in Doncaster.

Led by Unipart Rail, the new Hub will support the sector in translating academic research and innovation to solve strategic industry challenges and to enable and develop the next generation of products and services. The Hub will have a particular focus in supporting SMEs, both those established and new to the industry.

The Hub features information and interactive displays on the UKRRIN Centres of Excellence, the Network Rail Research and Development Portfolio and a range of different innovations from across the industry. The Hub has been supported by leading universities including Huddersfield, Southampton and Birmingham and organisations including Network Rail, Unipart Rail, RSSB and the Railway Industry Association (RIA).