You can do all of this in just 12 weeks with Lab by Transport for Wales (TfWL) - the innovation accelerator programme by TfWR.

Over their first 2 cohorts they have accelerated 13 startups to business case review.

TfWL is the dedicated innovation provider in to Transport for Wales - and they’re currently recruiting for cohort 3 of their remote innovation accelerator.

Over the course of 12 weeks, the programme will guide your startup from ideation, to developing a prototype based on stakeholder feedback and real customer data, to pitching for a contract of work with TfWR decision makers.

You have until midnight 4th April to apply here.

Who is the programme for?

If you’re an entrepreneur, startup, or scale-up with a; product or early-stage product that can be developed to improve the Transport for Wales Rail passenger experience, then we think you’d be a great fit for the programme.

It’s your chance to accelerate your startup. Refine and develop your product, network with rail industry leaders and secure a contract of work with Transport for Wales Rail to help grow your business.

Get a full insight into the TfWL accelerator programme by visiting here.

What is the programme?

TfWL are currently recruiting for cohort 3 – which will be delivered 100% remote.

It is designed to help up-skill and up-scale tech startups over a 12-week period of innovation training, mentoring and workshops including:

• Design thinking
• User experience testing
• Minimum viable product development
• Gaining customer insights
• Agile working methods
• Product testing

TfWL are carrying out this accelerator programme in partnership with Transport for Wales Rail to help;

• Improve passenger experience for rail users
• Improve internal business processes
• Implement innovation throughout Transport for Wales Rail
• Improve Customer Experience & Customer Support
• Health & Safety / Employee Wellbeing
• Mobility & Transport
• Engineering Innovation

The programme is being ran remotely due to health and safety precautions and government guidance surrounding COVID-19.

Who is it for?

Startups, scale-ups or entrepreneurs with an existing product or service can apply for the programme.

Benefits of the programme?

The benefits and opportunities for successful applicants are huge. It’s your chance to get a foothold into the multi-billion-pound rail industry that is continually seeing growth.

The programme is designed to accelerate startups and within 12 weeks. Getting them to a point where they can pitch a tested prototype to Transport for Wales Rail.

Successful pitches will be rewarded a contract of work with TfWR, providing these companies the resources they need to see their project through to completion and launch their live product to the marketplace.

All candidates on the programme will also undergo training and take part in workshops to help them;

• Define a proposition value
• Identify their exact target market
• Gain customer insights
• Refine their product idea
• Build a prototype
• Gain feedback from real users

What’s on offer?

• Remote 12-week innovation programme which will accelerate and upscale your business across
  • Design thinking
  • Minimum viable product development
  • Gaining customers insights
  • Agile working methods
  • Product testing

• Mentoring from rail industry experts across Transport for Wales Rail, Lab by Transport for Wales innovation specialists, as well as partners and key players across the rail industry
• The opportunity to pitch for a contract of work with Transport for Wales Rail – providing your business with the opportunity for commercial growth
• Networking opportunities with Rail execs, Innovation experts and other start-ups

Is there a cost?

No. The programme is free to apply for, and free to take part in.

How to apply?

Application deadline is midnight April 4th and you can apply here.  

For more information about the programme, applicants can visit here.