The scheme will recognise start-ups and small suppliers, as well as individuals contributing to innovation within the railway industry. To be endorsed by the scheme, the products and people will have: contributed to the Rail Innovation Group’s mission of promoting a modern, efficient rail system demonstrated an ability to create a seamless journey experience, and adopted a customer-centric approach and committed to sharing that approach with the wider industry. Two suppliers and two individuals received inaugural recognition at the launch, with the scheme now live and welcoming applications on an ongoing basis. The first products recognised through the supplier strand were RailSmart, a suite of applications to improve operational performance, and Journey PAL, an accessible travel review product. The first individuals recognised through the culture strand were WSP principal engineer, Ms Julianna Moats, and British Department for Transport project client, Mr Chris Jones. The programme will include a series of regional events bringing together the railway and technology communities to promote opportunities for start-ups and small suppliers. “Through our work with rail operators and digital tech start-ups we have seen many examples of great work being delivered to improve British railways,” says Ms Milda Manomaityte, co-leader of the Rail Innovation Group. “The goal of the scheme is for our community of rail and technology professionals to work together and find solutions that will benefit both. I am particularly excited to recognise people in this scheme, because they are the ones challenging the status quo and fighting for innovative products and solutions to be embraced by their peers.”