The finalists for the RailTech Innovation Award 2026 are The Signalling Company, Voestalpine Track Solutions, and GeoNext, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in digital signalling, sustainability, and AI-driven rail analysis. The three finalists will pitch their innovations at the RailTech Europe networking dinner in Utrecht on March 4, 2026, where the winner will receive the award.
The top three innovations represent diverse advancements in rail technology. From the submitted innovations, the jury consisting of Enno Wiebe (UNIFE Director General), Karel van Gils (EU-Rail Senior Programme Manager), and Nikos Papatolios (Chief Editor, RailTech.com) chose a shortlist of 5 innovations. Voestalpine’s Digital Product Passport (DPP) and Decel AB’s Spiral Retarder System for hump yards were surpassed in audience votes by the following 3 finalists:
The Signalling Company: World’s first software-defined ETCS system
The Signalling Company has developed the rail industry’s first software-defined on-board safety platform, achieving ETCS certification in under six years, an industry record. Unlike traditional systems, this platform decouples ETCS and National Class B safety applications from hardware, using off-the-shelf components to future-proof against obsolescence.
The system’s compact design optimises energy use, weight, and installation space, significantly reducing operational costs over a train’s lifespan. It is in commercial use on Lineas’ HLD77 fleet since its September 2025 certification.
Voestalpine Track Solutions: Sustainable cable duct from recycled wind turbines
Voestalpine Track Solutions’ sustainable cable duct is manufactured from Reprocessed Thermo Composite (RTC), a circular material made from recycled wind turbine blades and thermoplastic waste. With up to 99% recycled content, it outperforms concrete in strength, durability, and sustainability, while being lighter, fire-resistant, and fully recyclable.
The first 150 metres were installed near the Dutch city of Hoorn in late 2025, offering easier installation without heavy machinery, reducing costs and environmental impact with a better Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) performance.
GeoNext: AI framework that classifies rail point clouds in 40 categories
GeoNext’s AI framework revolutionises rail asset analysis by automating point cloud classification, a process traditionally requiring separate algorithms for each object type. The system identifies 40 distinct classes, including small components like overhead line insulators, without manual modelling.
Launched in September 2025, it speeds up rail infrastructure inspections, enabling faster, more accurate maintenance planning and eliminates labour-intensive manual classification.
Final pitch and award ceremony at RailTech Europe
The three finalists will present their innovations at the RailTech Europe networking dinner on March 4, 2026, where the jury will select the best rail innovation of the year.
