Seminars & Conferences

For more than a decade, RIA’s Unlocking Innovation Programme has showcased new ideas and thinking from across the industry. The aim of the programme is simple – it brings together those with the ideas and ambition to drive change with those who can turn those ideas into reality. Throughout the years, the Unlocking Innovation has brought together thousands of rail professionals, helping to build supply new supply chains, supporting clients in finding creative solutions and showcasing the incredible work going on in the industry.

Unlocking Innovation is supported by two strategic partners - the Network Rail R&D Portfolio, a £357 million fund focused on improving the quality and value for passengers and freight customers of the rail network, and the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), a £92 million partnership between academia and industry to spur innovation in the sector.

For the first time ever, Unlocking Innovation will be at Railtex. An Unlocking Innovation presentation programme will run each morning and afternoon throughout Railtex - covering:

1. High Level Challenges/Opportunities from UK rail clients;
2. Near Term Challenges/Opportunities from Tier 1s and Tier 2s;
3. Help with Funding and Partners to take your innovation to market; and
4. Elevator Pitches from a range of contributors, including SMEs and start-ups, curated in collaboration with UKRRIN and other associations.

Adjacent to the Unlocking Innovation Presentation area, you can continue your discussions at the Unlocking Innovation Showcase Stand, where our presenters and their colleagues will be exhibiting, including organisations like Network Rail, UKRRIN, HS2, InnovateUK, Network Rail’s Rail Innovation Development Centres, as well as Tier 1s, regional authorities and others.