Networking equipment provider Cisco has launched the ‘Connected Transport Challenge’ programme, an opportunity for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises to develop Internet of Everything (IoE) systems for the transport industry.
The IoE is a two-year innovation project jointly supported by Cisco and its partners with an aim to create a new technical, operational and commercial model for future stations.
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The small and medium-sized enterprises being part of the programme will be assigned to develop next-generation proof of concept station-as-a-service (StaaS) solutions.
The programme will concentrate on the development of smart solutions and improvements in the efficiency of physical security, operations, retail and passenger experience.
Cisco UK & Ireland chief executive Phil Smith said: "The UK’s transport infrastructure is under pressure like never before; with networks increasingly congested, the economic consequences become ever more severe.
"The Connected Transport Challenge provides the rare opportunity for innovative UK talent to demonstrate its technological ingenuity to some of the rail industry’s major stakeholders."
The finalists will be able to display their solutions in-situ at the Cisco IoE demo lab in Warwick, UK, and will receive £10,000 grant for the further development of their solution.
Cisco and its partners will also provide two months of mentoring and advice for the finalists.
Live presentations of the solutions are expected to take place in March and negotiations with rail stakeholders are due to conclude in April.
