Explore every episode of the podcast RAIL^UP The podcast with innovators and leaders of the ecosystem of rail.

About Digitale Schiene Deutschland

Digitale Schiene Deutschland (DSD) is a sector initiative aimed at transforming the German rail network through digitalization. DSD’s primary goals are to increase rail capacity, enhance service quality, and improve efficiency across the network without extensive physical infrastructure expansion. Key components include the rollout of the European Train Control System (ETCS) for digital signalling, automated train operations, a vehicle-centric safety logic for driving at optimal headways, and highly automated, AI-driven planning and real-time traffic management. By developing and integrating advanced technologies, Digitale Schiene Deutschland aims to create a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable rail system that supports Germany's environmental and mobility goals. The deployment of these systems is expected over the next decade.

https://digitale-schiene-deutschland.de/de

About Michael Küpper

Michael joined Digitale Schiene Deutschland (DSD) at Deutsche Bahn in 2017. As Product Manager, he has built and led the scaled-agile team-of-teams that implements DSD’s Capacity & Traffic Management System (CTMS). In parallel, he has led the implementation of agile and self-organized principles across several innovation departments at DSD. Since 2023, Michael has served as Stakeholder Manager to drive the strategic vision of CTMS and its enabling technological foundations within the railway sector at large. Michael holds a PhD in physics from The Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and has over 10 years of experience as strategy and management consultant. Throughout his career, he has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) in environments, where AI had not been previously applied, from particle physics analysis to housing price prediction to rail traffic management.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on “Weak AI”: Current applications rely on weak AI to address specific problems, while strong or “General AI” remains a distant possibility.
• Two Key AI Use Cases: In addition to predictive maintenance (e.g. for rolling stock) and similar applications of pattern recognition, active traffic management is emerging as a significant new application of AI in the rail industry.
• Active Traffic Management: This approach allows for quick decision-making in complex environments, enabling disruptions to be managed efficiently—new schedules can be generated and implemented in minutes or less.
• Holistic Approach: The CTMS will take a comprehensive view, considering multiple factors like speed, energy consumption, and connections.
• Long-Term Implementation: While AI can already support planning, a fully implemented CTMS is expected to take another 5-10 years.
• High Failure Rate of AI Projects: Up to 85% of AI projects fail.
• Costly AI Projects: AI initiatives are often expensive to execute.
• Focus on Automation: The goal should not be AI itself, but rather automation and new processes.
• Data Challenges: A key hurdle for AI projects is cleaning and consolidating data from outdated systems. It often takes a longer breath than many management teams or investors are ready to accept.
• The Answer of AI Is AI: The phrase suggests that AI is often seen as the go-to solution for various challenges, including the ones created by AI itself

Sebastian Sperker

www.railup.club

sebastian@railup.club

About IRSC

The International Rail Safety Council (IRSC) is a global forum for railway safety experts, regulators, and industry leaders. It focuses on sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovations to improve rail safety worldwide, primarily through its annual conference. The IRSC promotes international collaboration to reduce accidents and enhance rail safety systems.

www.inteernational-railway-safety-council.com

About the Panelists

• Head of Safety & Operations - European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), Bart Accou
• ÖBB Program Manager of the Digital Automatic Coupling, Constanze Bannholzer
• CCO of Nevomo, Stefan Kirch
• Vice President of Transit Engineering at Wabtec Corporation, Paolo Paliero
• Director General of UNIFE, Enno Wiebe
• Secretary General International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP), Gilles Peterhans
• Founder & CEO of Parallel Systems, Matt Soule

My Key Take Aways

• Reality Check: Gilles made it clear that we need to face reality—the modal shift is not happening with the current setup of rail freight. We need to embrace innovation, rethink the ecosystem, and change the game.
• New Potential for Modal Shift: Matt explained that with self-propelled autonomous railcars, a new, attractive rail service could be offered for the so-called Class 2 and Class 3 railroads in the U.S., allowing smaller volumes to be transported over shorter distances.

• Challenges in Homologation: Stefan highlights the difficulties of approving new rail technologies, as their system blurs the lines between traditional rail and maglev, with the pods "flying" over the tracks.

• Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC): Constanze emphasizes DAC as a game-changing innovation for efficiency and safety in European rail freight, though it is not yet fully embraced by the sector.

• Data-Driven Innovation: Gilles stresses the need for better use of data to improve safety and efficiency and calls for harmonization across countries.

• Technological vs. Operational Gaps: Paolo discusses the innovation gap between freight and passenger rail, noting that advanced locomotives contrast with underdeveloped freight wagons, impacting safety.

• Safety and Technology: Bart advocates for an integrated approach to safety, focusing on both technological and operational improvements that support operators.

• Courage for Innovation: Panelists call for courage, optimism, and openness to innovation, despite the challenges of introducing new technologies into legacy systems.

• Mindset and People: The panel concludes that innovation in rail requires not only technology but also the right mindset and motivated individuals to drive change.

Sebastian Sperker

www.railup.club

sebastian@railup.club

About Dietmar Dahmen

Dietmar, a futurist speaker with 20+ years in global marketing and advertising across cities like New York, Hamburg, Munich, Los Angeles, and Vienna, transitioned from a strategic planner to a respected creative. He held significant roles including Creative Director at DDB, Managing Director, and Chief Creative Officer at BBDO, as well as Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy.

Today, Dietmar is a renowned global speaker and consultant specializing in digital transformation and marketing innovation. With an advertising background, he provides dynamic insights, empowering companies to navigate the evolving digital landscape. He co-founded startups, advises tech giants, and in January 2020, launched Brainkicks GmbH, focusing on communicating change through advertising and marketing.

Married and a proud father residing in Vienna, Dietmar's captivating presentations inspire innovative thinking for enduring success in competitive markets.

www.dietmardahmen.com

My Keytake aways

• Connectivity has elevated humanity to a leading position among Earth's species.
• There are two primary drivers for innovation:
• ONE: Necessity-driven innovation involves identifying targets and seeking solutions to address specific problems.
• TWO: Boredom-driven innovation occurs without a specific target, allowing for open exploration and unexpected discoveries.
• Connectivity embodies three essential aspects:
• ONE: Speed: Comparable to the Roman road network, which drastically accelerated intercity connections.
• TWO: Reach: Illustrated by Starlink's global accessibility across nearly every corner of the planet.
• THREE: Handshake: The Apple ecosystem seamlessly integrates various devices like iPhone, iPods, and iWatch, ensuring continual connectivity.
• Decentralization offers safety but comes with drawbacks such as individual-focused endeavors, exemplified by rail construction works in Europe.
• Centralization, while speedy, creates high dependencies on singular individuals or institutions.
• Balancing time for contemplation and action is crucial for maintaining equilibrium.
• Adaptability stands as the linchpin for achieving sustained success in a rapidly changing world.
• Rail infrastructure might present a viable solution for mobility on the Martian surface.
• Connectivity between the mode of transports is key to linking the mobility world of rail

About Dietmar Dahmen

Dietmar, a futurist speaker with 20+ years in global marketing and advertising across cities like New York, Hamburg, Munich, Los Angeles, and Vienna, transitioned from a strategic planner to a respected creative. He held significant roles including Creative Director at DDB, Managing Director, and Chief Creative Officer at BBDO, as well as Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy.

Today, Dietmar is a renowned global speaker and consultant specializing in digital transformation and marketing innovation. With an advertising background, he provides dynamic insights, empowering companies to navigate the evolving digital landscape. He co-founded startups, advises tech giants, and in January 2020, launched Brainkicks GmbH, focusing on communicating change through advertising and marketing.

Married and a proud father residing in Vienna, Dietmar's captivating presentations inspire innovative thinking for enduring success in competitive markets.

www.dietmardahmen.com

My Keytake aways

• Connectivity has elevated humanity to a leading position among Earth's species.
• There are two primary drivers for innovation:
• ONE: Necessity-driven innovation involves identifying targets and seeking solutions to address specific problems.
• TWO: Boredom-driven innovation occurs without a specific target, allowing for open exploration and unexpected discoveries.
• Connectivity embodies three essential aspects:
• ONE: Speed: Comparable to the Roman road network, which drastically accelerated intercity connections.
• TWO: Reach: Illustrated by Starlink's global accessibility across nearly every corner of the planet.
• THREE: Handshake: The Apple ecosystem seamlessly integrates various devices like iPhone, iPods, and iWatch, ensuring continual connectivity.
• Decentralization offers safety but comes with drawbacks such as individual-focused endeavors, exemplified by rail construction works in Europe.
• Centralization, while speedy, creates high dependencies on singular individuals or institutions.
• Balancing time for contemplation and action is crucial for maintaining equilibrium.
• Adaptability stands as the linchpin for achieving sustained success in a rapidly changing world.
• Rail infrastructure might present a viable solution for mobility on the Martian surface.
• Connectivity between the mode of transports is key to linking the mobility world of rail

www.railup.club

sebastian@railup.club

About Franz Blum

Franz, the founder of the logistics company Vegatrans, commenced his journey during his law studies in Salzburg and Vienna by delivering commercial vehicles from Europe to Turkey and the Middle East. What initially began as a student job soon transformed into an enduring passion for logistics. At the end of his studies, he, together with four partners, established Vegatrans. From the outset, Franz emphasized eco-friendly transportation and initiated the integration of rail services into the supply chain. Concurrently, alongside his business pursuits, he also established the largest public observatory in Europe, with the vision that looking out to space makes us understand better that Earth is the paradise in the universe and needs to be treated well to sustain. Today, Franz resides with his family in Salzburg, Austria.

About Vegatrans & R2L

Vegatrans distributes approximately 150,000 commercial vehicles manufactured by companies like MAN, Iveco, Mercedes, and Volvo. The Vegatrans team covers over 50 million kilometers annually, delivering these units to customers across Europe and Asia. The company's headquarters are situated in Salzburg. Additionally, Vegatrans operates 11 international subsidiaries. A primary emphasis for the company lies in delivering high-quality and environmentally friendly logistics services. Notably, Vegatrans has initiated the integration of rail transport into its supply chain. To enhance green rail transport, Vegatrans collaborated with their partner to develop the roadrail connector (R2L). This innovation enables the seamless integration of 95% of the semi-trailer fleet into the rail ecosystem.

www.vegatrans.com

www.r2l.com

My Key Takeaways

• Approximately 4,000,000 semi-trailers operate on European roads, with less than 5% designed for rail transport.
• The absence of a substantial secondary market has hindered significant investments in crane-compatible trailers.
• As shippers are the primary decision-makers, informing them about the positive ecological impact of rail and persuading them initially is crucial.
• CO2-neutral transport is a reality today.
• Vegatrans developed the RoadRail-Link (r2L) as a platform to lift non-cranable trailers as well as trucks and buses using standard terminal equipment.
• R2L enables the transportation of 95% of all semi-trailers by rail, opening an enormous new potential volume for rail.
• A significant reduction in empty rail trips could be achieved due to market size and extensive geographical coverage.
• To attract trailer transports, rail must improve flexibility, capacity and integrate IT systems.
• Each shifted trailer contributes to CO2 reduction efforts. Burning a liter of diesel emits 3 kg of CO2 emissions.
• Rail transportation offers up to 4-5 times higher energy efficiency compared to road transport.
• A 20% modal shift from road to rail would double rail freight volume in Europe.
• Vegatrans successfully persuaded road vehicle manufacturers to integrate rail into their supply chain and achieved an average train utilization rate of over 85%.
• Vegatrans has already achieved a modal split of 40% for rail transport
• Franz`s Vision: Trailers traveling from Marrakech to Shanghai by rail in a CO2-neutral manner.

www.railup.club

sebastian@railup.club

About Serge Schamschula

Serge serves as the head of the ecosystem at the transport management platform Transporeon. In this role, he is responsible for fostering partnerships, building networks, facilitating coordination and collaboration with research & academia. In addition to his position at Transporeon, he also holds the vice-chair position at ALICE, the Alliance for Logistics Innovations through collaboration. Furthermore, he serves as board director for the European Freight Logistics Leaders Forum. Prior to this role, he spent nearly two decades in various positions at the freight forwarding company Transped Europe. He studied Business Administration, Marketing, and Sales at Johann Kepler University in Linz, Austria.

About Transporeon

Transporeon is a technology company that provides cloud-based logistics and transportation management solutions. Their platform connects 1.400 shippers and 158.000 carriers, enabling them to manage and optimize their supply chain operations efficiently. Transporeon offers solutions such as freight tendering, tracking, and visibility, as well as tools for carrier selection, performance, and CO2 monitoring. The company's solutions aim to improve transparency, collaboration, and efficiency in the logistics industry, ultimately helping businesses streamline their transportation processes and reduce costs.

www.transporeon.com

Key Takeaways

• Regulations regarding mandatory CO2 emissions reduction are unclear for many actors in the supply chain and beyond.
• Although these regulations will have a significant impact on the business model and supply chain.
• Three major regulations will affect businesses in Europe and worldwide:
• The CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) will compel more companies to report on their CO2 emissions and create plans for future reduction.
• The CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) will establish a level playing field for CO2 pricing on goods entering the EU, encouraging cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries.
• The EU ETS2 (European Emission Trading System 2) is a cap-and-trade program designed to limit and reduce CO2 emissions from various industries including transport. Future emissions will come with a cost.
• In the coming years, the CSRD will have the most significant impact on larger corporations as they must report CO2 emissions, which includes emissions from transporting goods, impacting the entire sector.
• The EU ETS2 will substantially impact logistics when the initial cap of € 45,00/ton will cease and reach a level above €300 per ton of CO2 emissions, which is expected by 2030.
• The entire transport sector will be integrated into the ETS2 by 2027. The difference would currently be 6-7 cents per km and will not lead to significant changes in the transport sector. Massive changes are expected once the cap is released.
• Scope 3 emissions represent around 80% of an average company's emissions and are currently challenging to measure due to insufficient data quality.
• If data quality is poor and key performance indicators (KPIs) are based on numerous assumptions, the resulting output may differ significantly based on bad data, unsuitable for CO2 management.
• To get out of the data issue sharing primary data would be required. The solutions are there on technical level, but the actors are reluctant to do so.
• There is strong support from shippers to transport more volumes via rail, especially intermodal transport. However, rail operations must be seamlessly integrated into the entire supply chain solution landscape, where the data ends at a terminal today.
• Achieving ambitious green targets, especially concerning modal shift, is very unlikely if the current pace is maintained. Much more significant measures were needed to do so.

sebastian@railup.club

www.railup.club

About Stefan Kirch

Stefan is the Chief Business Development Officer and (late) Co-Founder of Nevomo, a rail tech company located in Warsaw. He joined Nevomo in late 2021 after working for more than a decade for Deutsche Bahn in various functions, with a strong focus on infrastructure. He led the sales department of DB-Netze and was an intrapreneur, founding FlexRail within Deutsche Bahn. He studied European Law and Business Administration at Julius Maximilian University in Würzburg Germany.

About Nevomo

Nevomo is a European deep-tech company that develops the next generation of high-speed railways, aiming to improve inefficient legacy infrastructure and take it to the next level. As a leading player in innovation in the sustainable and intelligent mobility industry, the company has developed the globally unique MagRail technology, allowing automation, electrification, and full digitalization of existing rail transportation systems. Nevomo is the first company in the world to propose a phased implementation of transportation systems inspired by the hyperloop concept by upgrading railway lines. The company intends to revolutionize railway transport, achieving speeds of up to 550 kph by equipping existing infrastructure with magnetic levitation and linear motor technology. Furthermore, the MagRail product portfolio includes the MagRail booster, allowing for a quick retrofit of existing railcars to enable linear motor propulsion.

www.nevomo.tech

Key Takeaways

• Trucks on highways in Europe currently have a higher spare capacity than the volume being transported by rail. This raises the question of whether rail freight could be entirely replaced by additional trucks on the road in a hypothetical scenario.
• Considering the rapid advancements in AI, platforms, and connectivity, more readily integrated into road transportation, this hypothetical scenario highlights a potential risk for the rail industry.
• If road transportation proves cheaper, more flexible, and environmentally friendly once trucks are green, one might question the rationale for investing in rail. This shift is likely to occur within the next decade.
• While there may be a political push to support rail, the rail ecosystem needs significant innovation within the coming decade, not later!
• It's essential to recall the challenges associated with railway projects in Europe, where infrastructure projects took over 20 years to materialize. Even with substantial investment, overcoming this time gap remains a formidable challenge.
• Infrastructure managers must focus on increasing capacity due to the growing demand from passengers and the anticipated shift in transportation preferences.
• Nevomo's approach involves upgrading the existing infrastructure with innovative technologies such as linear motors and passive magnetic levitation systems, which are faster and more cost-effective.
• Nevomo's mix-and-match approach allows for combining various upgrades on a single corridor. These upgrades are designed to be backward compatible, enabling specific sections to be enhanced with linear motors for increased capacity through faster acceleration and braking or the replacement of traditional engines.
• The recently tested “booster” technology of Nevomo could provide a significant capacity increase in the near future, especially for steep ramps or sections without electricity.
• The implementation of new technologies depends on the required speed: Level 1 up to 250 km/hour → conventional railway, Level 1+ → upgrade with selective sections with linear motors, Level 2 up to 550 km/hour → Maglev Systems, Level 3 up to 1,200 km/hour → Hyperloop.
• Very energy-efficient transportation using passive maglev technology starts at a speed of up to 250 km/hour, with the ability to lower speeds in sandy environments for reduced wear.
• The proper railway technologies depend on the speed, use cases, and implementation timeline.

sebastian@railup.club

www.railup.club

About Matt Soule

Matt Soule serves as the CEO and Co-founder of Parallel Systems, a railtech startup located in Los Angeles. In 2020, he co-founded the company with former colleagues. Prior to this venture, Matt spent 13 years at SpaceX, where he held various roles, including Head of Avionics and Head of Power Electronics. Before joining SpaceX, he gained valuable experience working at Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. Matt holds a Master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California.

About Parallel Systems

Parallel Systems is a pioneering railtech startup focused on developing autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles designed to transport cargo in a cleaner, faster, safer, and more cost-effective manner. The company's innovative railcars have the ability to form "platoons" for reduced energy consumption and can split off to multiple destinations during transit. Parallel's business model aims to empower railroads with the tools to optimize the utilization of the existing rail network while also capturing a portion of the $700 billion trucking industry for rail transport.

Key Takeaways

• Rail transportation in the United States is predominantly geared to cargo transport, while in Europe, it is more oriented towards passenger transportation.

• The US rail freight sector is exceptionally profitable due to its large-scale operations, with trains capable of stretching up to 5 kilometers and transporting over 600 TEU
• The rail sector in the US is highly consolidated, dominated by only 6 vertically integrated players known as "class 1 railroads."
• Parallel Systems identifies a promising business opportunity in transitioning smaller volumes of cargo from road to rail by developing autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles, contributing to a net-zero emission transportation solution.
• In August, Parallel Systems and Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) filed an application to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to do a pilot test in Georgia.

Enjoy listening and sign up for the RAIL^UP club!

www.railup.club

Sebastian

About Nathan

Nathan has a vast experience in the European mobility sector as he worked in the aviation and railway industry at C-Level.

In the last decade, he founded various start-ups focusing on digital services and platforms.

Today he is a consultant, entrepreneur and investor; therefore, he is my first guest in RAIL^UP.

My takeaways

• Rail transportation excels as a long-distance transport solution (its USP), while road transportation is better suited for shorter distances
• The most effective integration strategy involves using (electrified) trucks for first and last-mile transport and relying on the rail network for long-distance hauls, creating an ecologically and economically sound combination
• Single-Wagon-Load (SWL) traffic, still dominant in some countries, will remain unsustainable without substantial state subsidies. Affordability for all transport systems requires traffic bundling, necessitating a shift from "single" to "multiple" in SWL
• The road transportation sector is expected to become environmentally friendly within the next 10 years, prompting the rail industry to seize the opportunity and demonstrate its potential
• Rail tends to be less of an early adopter of technology due to the longer life cycle of rail rolling stock compared to trucks and trailers used on roads.
• Expanding passenger train services will affect network capacity, impacting cargo transportation on the rail network
• While Berlin was Europe's start-up hub until 2010, other areas have shown significant growth in meaningful start-up companies by 2023
• Key factors for a successful modal shift to rail include developing and optimizing terminals, expanding network capacity, and (if desired) establishing supportive political regulations. These elements are vital for promoting and facilitating the adoption of rail transportation for various goods and services

Sign up for the RAIL^UP club & enjoy listening!

www.railup.club

Sebastian

I proudly present the launch of RAIL^UP, my podcast with innovators and leaders of our railway world.

Because people's minds can change the mobility world, I talk with inspiring international talents about how to shape the ecosystem. 🚀

Are you ready to embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and fresh ideas? Listen to the trailer today and be part of the RAIL^UP club from the very beginning. Welcome to RAIL^UP; enjoy listening.

Sebastian Sperker

www.railup.club

About Jörg Nowaczyk

Jörg has extensive experience in logistics and transportation, having begun his career in the industry in 1989. He initially worked in road logistics before transitioning to the railway sector. Over more than a decade at TX Logistik, he played a key role in shaping today’s intermodal network. Subsequently, he joined Rail Cargo Group, where he focused on developing the rail business in Germany. In 2019, Jörg became Chief Commercial Officer at GATX Rail Europe. In addition to his professional roles, he is actively involved in several industry organizations, such as Allianz Pro Schiene, contributing to the development of the rail ecosystem. Jörg resides in Hamburg.

About GATX Rail Europe

The company is a leading railcar lessor, offering a diverse fleet across 20+ European countries. With a service-oriented team, the company simplifies railcar leasing and transport, allowing customers to focus on their core business. Serving over 240 clients across industries, GATX's 29,000+ railcars provide efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-competitive transport solutions. The company has strategically located offices and a state-of-the-art maintenance facility in Poland, with its headquarters in Vienna, Austria. GATX Rail Europe is part of GATX Corporation, a 125+ year-old company listed on the NYSE.

My key take aways

• European Rail Freight Market: Europe has 680,000 railcars, with one-third owned by lessors, while the US market is larger and more unified.
• Challenges in Europe: Europe's fragmented regulations and systems make rail freight operations more complex compared to the US.
• Slow Technological Change: Rail wagon technology has seen minimal innovation over the past century, with only incremental improvements.
• Shift to Intermodal Solutions: The future of rail freight lies in intermodal solutions, offering flexibility and better logistics integration.
• Rising Costs: Railcar prices have doubled recently, posing financial challenges for both lessors and operators.
• DAC Technology: Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) technology is crucial for modernizing rail but is expensive and still in testing.
• Cost Pressures: New technologies like DAC and ETCS increase costs, making rail less competitive against road transport.
• Growth for Lessors: The market for private wagon lessors is growing as traditional rail operators shift to renting.
• GATX's Role: GATX, a major railcar lessor, is focusing on tank and gas cars while investing in new technologies and green initiatives.
• CO2 Transport: GATX is preparing for the emerging market of CO2 transport by designing specialized railcars to meet growing demand.

Sebastian Sperker

railup.club

sebastian@railup.club

About Babette

Babette is a seasoned railway professional and, as an engineer with 15 years in the industry, she is widely recognized for her broad expertise. Her career journey has taken her through diverse roles at a locomotive manufacturer, a leasing company, and a full-service maintenance provider, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the industry. Since 2017, Babette has focused on developing sustainable and successful digital strategies by reimagining processes and supporting railway companies in their digital transformation journey. In complex transformation projects, she seamlessly combines modern technologies, process optimization, and change management across all levels of an organization. Babette is dedicated to helping railway companies streamline their processes, build future-proof organizations, and contribute her expertise to reshape the railway industry for the better.

My key take aways

• Yes We Can: With the right approach, the rail industry can make significant progress and enhance its role in global supply chains.
• Challenges in Rail Transformation: Despite strong support and investments, the shift towards greener rail transport is slow.
• Innovation Perspective: Rail innovation should focus on profitability as well as climate goals, becoming a core industry focus.
• Resource Allocation: Large companies invest in innovation, while smaller ones prioritize daily challenges.
• Lack of Disruptive Leadership: The rail industry lacks a transformative leader like Tesla, hindering technological adoption.
• Large-Scale Projects: Projects like ETCS and DAC require at least a decade, and current efforts show limited progress in interoperability.
• Small-Scale Innovations: Initiatives like digital asset management and autonomous tech offer efficiency gains. Like: Menlo70, OTIF, Railnova
• Barriers to Change: The industry resists change, blaming infrastructure issues and lacking trust in new solutions.
• Data and Tech Gaps: Many rail assets lack basic GPS, highlighting a need for better data and technology integration.
• Fear of Change: Concerns about job loss, control, and regulation stifle innovation.
• Regulation and Innovation: Regulations provide flexibility, but companies often see them as a burden.
• Investment Risks: Outdated locomotive technology poses long-term investment risks.

Sebastian Sperker

sebastian@railup.club

www.railup.club

About Dual Inventive

Dual Inventive develops and produces technology products aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of railway infrastructure work, maximizing rail capacity, and improving the reliability of railway systems. The company’s headquarters is based in the Netherlands. Dual Inventive transforms rail safety through safe and efficient remote-controlled track access, ensuring a smooth transition between train operations and maintenance activities. Their innovative products deliver high system safety integrity (SIL 4), and the remote-control functionality achieves significant time and cost efficiencies. This approach provides enhanced protection for track workers, increases engineering time, and boosts train path capacity.

About Marleen van de Kerkhof

Marleen van de Kerkhof, recognized as a Young Rail Leader by the International Railway Journal, studied Systems Engineering at Delft University of Technology. During her studies, she contributed to the development of the first hyperloop and was part of the student team Delft Hyperloop that won Elon Musk's Hyperloop Pod Competition. Driven by a passion for innovation and transport, Marleen is now the International Affairs Manager at the technology company Dual Inventive, where she impacts mobility and sustainability. Central to her vision is an unwavering belief in rail as the backbone of sustainable mobility. She is dedicated to using the latest digital technologies to enhance safety and efficiency in European rail infrastructure, thereby maximizing rail capacity. Appointed as Rail Ambassador in the Netherlands, she strives to inspire the new generation with the green and innovative power of the railway system. Marleen also serves as chair of Jonge Veranderaars, the youth network in the Dutch mobility sector, and as a board member of Rail Cargo Information Netherlands, promoting the use of rail for freight transport and improving the image of the industry.

My Key Takeaway

• Role of a Rail Ambassador: Marleen promotes the benefits of rail, inspires young people to pursue careers in the rail industry, and emphasizes the green and innovative aspects of rail. She is involved in various organizations to support the rail ecosystem.
• Public Perception of Rail in the Netherlands: There has been a positive shift in the perception of rail, especially among young people, who see it as a sustainable and viable alternative to other modes of transport.
• Challenges with Temporary Capacity Restrictions (TCRs): TCRs, which include track maintenance and construction works, are increasing and poorly coordinated, especially across borders. This lack of coordination affects the reliability of rail services.
• Importance of Reliable TCR Planning: Reliable planning and coordination of TCRs are essential to minimize the impact on rail traffic. Standardizing and digitalizing track access and maintenance can improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Construction Work Efficiency: In the Netherlands, a standard rail construction work takes four hours, but 60 minutes is often wasted on manual safety procedures. Digital solutions can reduce this downtime and improve efficiency.
• Digital Track Access System: Marleen's company, Dual Inventive, has developed a digital track access system (ZKL3000RC) that allows for remote control of track circuit operating devices, significantly reducing the time needed for track workers to safely access tracks.
• Need for a Single European Railway Area: Marleen advocates for the establishment of a well-connected single European railway area to overcome outdated national systems and to facilitate more cross-border rail traffic.
• Addressing Human Resource Challenges: The rail industry faces a significant challenge with a large number of track workers retiring soon. Embracing technology and innovation is crucial to compensate for the loss of human capacity and to maintain and improve rail infrastructure.

Sebastian Sperker

www.railup.club

sebastian@railup.lcub

About Andrés de León Andrés de León, CEO of HyperloopTT since 2019, has over 30 years of international experience as a senior executive. He specializes in manufacturing, finance management, and business negotiation, having worked in Spain, Belgium, Portugal, France, Italy, Mexico, Chile, and the United States. Andrés holds a law degree and an MBA from IE Business School.His career includes roles such as Deputy Financial Director at Terratest Construction and General Manager of a multinational industrial group in alternative energy. At HyperloopTT, he has secured key global agreements and investments, transitioning the company to an industry leader in engineering and execution. Known for his focused management style, Andrés leads the largest crowd-powered team of professionals ever assembled. He is married and lives with his three kids in Dubai.

About Hyperloop TT

HyperloopTT (Hyperloop Transportation Technologies) is a global transportation technology company focused on developing a high-speed transportation system based on the Hyperloop concept, originally proposed by Elon Musk. Founded in 2013, the company uses a crowd-collaborative approach, bringing together experts and resources from around the world. HyperloopTT aims to revolutionize travel by creating a vacuum-sealed tube system where pods travel at near-supersonic speeds, drastically reducing travel time between cities. The company combines advanced engineering, sustainable energy solutions, and cutting-edge materials to create a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation network. The company won a PPT project to construct the first commercial prototype to connect Venice and Padua.

www.hyperlooptt.com

My Key Takeaways

• Superfast: Hyperloop enables long-distance mobility with speeds over 1000 km/h, making it a potentially sustainable and faster mode of transport compared to civil aviation.
• Essential Technology: Hyperloop is crucial for modern transportation, offering sustainability, comfort, speed, and financial viability.
• First Commercial Pilot: HyperloopTT secured an €800 million PPP project for a Hyperloop stretch between Venice and Padua.
• Cost Efficiency: Hyperloop promises lower maintenance and energy costs, with a projected payback period of 20-25 years.
• Sustainability: HyperloopTT aims for CO2 neutrality, generating more energy than it consumes using renewable sources.
• Company History: Founded in 2013, HyperloopTT uses crowdsourcing, involving global experts working for equity.
• Technological Challenges: Key challenges include propulsion, levitation, and communication in a vacuum environment.
• Safety Standards: HyperloopTT has developed robust safety guidelines similar to those of aviation and high-speed rail.
• Business Model: HyperloopTT focuses on licensing technology rather than building and operating systems.
• Future Vision: By 2050, multiple Hyperloop systems could be operational worldwide, driven by strong public and private interest.

Sebastian Sperker

sebastian@railup.club

www.railup.club

About Alex Peiffer

Alex Peiffer is co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Intramotev, a St. Louis-based manufacturer of self-propelled battery-electric railcars. He is an adjunct professor in the Entrepreneurship department at St. Louis University Chaifetz School of Business and holds an MBA from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business. Previously, he held brand management and marketing roles with large global companies including Nestle and Unilever, and served six years in the US Air Force in air cargo logistics.

About Timothy Luchini

Tim Luchini, PhD, is the CEO and co-founder of Intramotev. Tim has spent his career solving challenging technical problems, leading teams, and developing mobility technologies. Prior to founding Intramotev, Tim managed engineering teams at Boeing, developing solutions for defense, urban air mobility, and eVTOL (electric vehicle takeoff and landing) aircraft. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University. At Intramotev, Tim oversees a team from the rail, aerospace, and automotive industries building battery-electric autonomous railcars. In his spare time, Tim teaches engineering students through a joint program between Washington University and the University of Missouri - St. Louis.

About Intramotev

Intramotev is a technology company focused on transforming modern freight movement by developing self-propelled, zero-emission railcar solutions that decrease costs, increase utilization and safety, and promote environmental responsibility. To achieve that, Intramotev has assembled a team of engineers and developers from the rail, aerospace and automotive industries to deploy our TugVolt and ReVolt technologies. The TugVolt is a railcar retrofit that enables independent material movement without the need for a locomotive, while the ReVolt is a retrofit that recycles waste energy in traditional trains – offering customers a 20% to 50% reduction in diesel costs.

www.intramotev.com

Key Takeaways 

• Innovation Drive: Emphasizing the need for innovative technologies to sustain a 2% annual productivity growth in US rail freight.
• Idle Railcar Optimization: About 1.6 million US railcars, with a million idle daily, present a vast opportunity for increasing rail movement frequency.
• Cross-Industry Integration: Leveraging expertise from the automotive, defense, aerospace, and rail sectors enhances rail operations more efficiently than starting from scratch.
• Regulatory Engagement: Proactively working with regulators is key to safely integrating new and established technologies into the rail system.
• Autonomous Efficiency: Autonomous technology is particularly beneficial for shorter rail units, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Secondary Network Focus: Autonomous technologies are mainly targeted at secondary networks and crucial transit segments.
• Synergistic Advances: Integrating autonomous technology with long-haul train operations offers substantial operational improvements.
• Strategic Retrofitting: Upgrading existing rail assets, including modifying railcars to act as engines, provides significant economic benefits.
• Operational Milestone: The company's vehicles are actively running, achieving 1,000 miles weekly.
• Global Outlook: Intramotev aims for global expansion, with a keen interest in regions like Europe and Australia that have robust rail systems.
• Founders' Vision: The startup, founded by two childhood friends, is set to transform the rail ecosystem.

www.railup.club

sebastian@railup.club

About Larissa Zeichhardt

Larissa worked as the CEO of the family-owned rail construction company LAT Group. She had previously been employed by a large international corporation in Switzerland and other countries. Due to a private incident, she took over the company from her father, along with her sister. She quickly learned to navigate the construction business and became passionate about the rail industry. Larissa began implementing innovative products through collaboration with universities. As an active member of women in mobility, she aims to encourage and inspire more women to join the railway sector. She holds an academic degree in engineering and business. She is married with two kids and resides in Berlin, Germany.

www.womeninmobility.org

Abaut LAT

LAT is a German, second generation family owned and operated firm for mobility related services, including (cable) construction for railroad tracks and passenger safety systems for public transport. The SME is managed by two sisters, and supplies a broad range of services and products from special civil- to safety engineering for every aspect of trackage, including signal-, construction- and video surveillance systems.

www.lat.de

Key Take aways

• Initiating Projects with Vision: Jumpstart your projects when inspired by a great idea – RAILTALKS and RAIL^UP collaboration seek to galvanize a broader audience.
• Fostering a Dynamic Corporate Culture: The agility and intimate scale of family businesses can accelerate decision-making processes and fuel a deeper passion for product and service innovation.
• Empowering Teams for Sustainability: Entrust your experts with decision-making responsibilities. While initially challenging, this empowerment strategy promises enduring benefits.
• Rethinking Failure: Embrace a paradigm shift in failure - it's an indispensable teacher that helps us evolve and enhance our capabilities.
• University-Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with academic institutions can expand intellectual boundaries and spawn groundbreaking methods - often, it begins as simply as sharing a cup of coffee.
• Research and Development Initiatives: In collaboration with a university, Larissa launched a study to explore how robots can traverse railway tracks both efficiently and safely.
• Infrastructure as the Backbone of Connectivity: The bedrock of connectivity lies in tangible infrastructure such as cabling and 5G technology, necessitating rigorous physical labor.
• Inclusivity in Railway Innovation: The railway sector must extend invitations to startups, fostering a culture of innovation and fresh thinking within the industry.
• Addressing GDPR with Innovation: Novel and imaginative strategies, including anonymization techniques like 'fake faces,' can effectively reconcile GDPR compliance challenges.
• Collective Effort and Data Sharing: Unified efforts and open data exchange are key to mutual advancement - collaboration is our collective strength.
• Solution-Focused Tender Processes: Tenders ought to be crafted with flexibility to incorporate cutting-edge technologies and accommodate innovative approaches.
• Expert-Driven Tender Design: The drafting of tender documents should be guided by professionals with practical, on-site experience to ensure relevance and applicability.

Sebastian Sperker

www.railup.club

sebastian@railup.club

About Dominik Cajochen

Dominik is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in global operations and supply chain management. Currently serving in the executive board and as Head of Market + Operations at Cargo sous terrain, he has extensive leadership experience, including roles at SABMiller, Sony Music and Procter & Gamble. He holds a Master's degree in International Studies from the University of Geneva and has furthered his executive education at Ashridge Business School. Dominik lives with his wife and his two children in Zurich, Switzerland.

About Cargo Sous Terrain

Cargo Sous Terrain is an innovative underground transport system designed to efficiently move goods between cities. It involves a network of tunnels and intermodal cargo hubs, reducing traffic congestion and environmental impact. The system aims to optimize logistics, improve supply chains, and enhance urban livability by minimizing the need for trucks on roads. It has the potential to revolutionize the transportation of goods, enabling faster and more sustainable delivery across various industries.

www.cst.ch/en/

My key takeaways

• Switzerland maintains the leading position in Europe for its extensive rail network, although transporting single wagon loads remains unprofitable.
• The Cargo Sous Terrain (CST) project offers an innovative and alternative perspective to the current discussion between road and rail transport systems.
• Integrating road and rail with completely new infrastructure could maximize benefits and provide a sustainable solution to meet the increasing mobility demands, especially in urban areas like Zurich.
• Subterranean transport systems could effectively meet the need to transport smaller shipments from the outskirts of urban areas directly to city centers, thereby reducing surface traffic congestion.
• Large shipments could be transported seamlessly to logistic hubs via rail (and road), resulting in an ideal integration of transportation methods.
• As in the transition zone of a triathlon, the efficiency of the CST pods' transitions will be more crucial than their top speed.
• CST pods are designed to travel at speeds of around 30 km/h and can carry two European pallets.
• The entire operations are designed to be completely CO2-neutral
• The introduction of a small pipeline within the tunnel for CO2 transport from industrial sources is a crucial step towards achieving a climate-neutral status.
• Public engagement is essential for establishing the legal framework needed to realize projects like Cargo Sous Terrain.
• Construction activities for such projects are expected to generate roughly 2,000 trains annually for the next 25 years, hence a major customer for railfreight in Switzerland.
• Even ambitious projects of this magnitude could potentially be financed through private investment.

sebastian@railup.club

www.railup.club

About Fabian Stöffler

Fabian is a passionate innovator and acknowledged thought leader for rail in Europe. Before co-founding Menlo79 in 2019, he held senior-level positions at Deutsche Bahn in Germany and played a crucial role in several significant projects in rail and logistics in Europe and Asia. From 2016 to 2019, he was in charge of the Asset Digitization department at DB Cargo in Europe, where he established a digital transformation lab and built a robust team of more than 100 people. Fabian has studied mathematics and economics and is currently based in Berlin.

About RAILTALKS

RAILTALKS, a thriving rail community comprising over 1500 members and collaborating with more than 40 partner companies, organizes its flagship events in the form of quarterly Railtalks panel discussions held in Berlin. Beyond these significant occasions, RAILTALKS extends its offerings to include various events such as business lunches within the partner network. The clear objective is to connect open-minded individuals, fostering collaboration to shape the future of the rail ecosystem. Notably, RAILTALKS operates under the umbrella of Menlo79.

www.railtalks.com

About Menlo79

With the intelligent cloud-based software solution WILSON, Berlin-based LogTech start-up Menlo79, founded in 2019, provides a modern and comprehensive workforce management platform. This platform is designed for employee-centered, intelligent, and cross-company control of operational personnel. WILSON includes a diverse range of modules, covering qualification management, shift planning, personnel scheduling, as well as payroll and benefit accounting. The application is specifically optimized for the rail, mobility, and logistics sectors. Companies can significantly reduce administrative efforts, leading to a sustainable increase in employee satisfaction and productivity

www.menlo79.com

Key Takeaways:

• Initiate change by connecting with open-minded individuals.
• Communities like RAILTALKS and Rail UP Club foster the convergence of minds and the exchange of ideas.
• Begin with a grand vision rather than a detailed plan.
• Building a community centers around inspiring setups; actively seek partners, not just sponsors.
• Partners can play a pivotal role in the network

• The risk of depending heavily on political funding creates a significant dependency and a faint feeling.
• Reorient the focus towards creating indispensable products for customers, following the example set by Menlo79.
• '79' refers to the year 1679 when Gottfried Leibniz published a paper on the binary code.
• AI is significantly underestimated in the rail industry but could wield a substantial impact.
• AI cannot be simply purchased off the shelf for the rail industry.
• RAILTALKS and RAIL^UP aiming for the mission - shape the ecoystem of rail

www.railup.club

sebastian@railup.club

About Jutta dos Santos Miquelin

Jutta o is the Co-CEO of … and dos Santos, bringing over 25 years of experience in leading and advising global companies in areas such as digitalization, new business development, and cultural transformation. Her work emphasizes human-centered approaches to cultural change and sustainable transformation. In 2023, she was honored with the Bold Award alongside Deutsche Bahn for innovative achievements in the "Future of Work." As the author of The Glass Elevator and a pioneer of the values-based 5D Leadership model, she champions conscious leadership and collective intelligence to unlock human potential and drive digital, transformative solutions for sustainable corporate growth.

www.anddossantos.com

Key Take Aways

• Outdated Cockpits: Cost-driven designs overlook driver needs and user experience.
• Job Attractiveness: Human-centered design can make the profession more appealing.
• Fragmented Systems: Disconnected tools add stress; integrated platforms are essential.
• Usability: Intuitive controls simplify tasks and reduce mental strain.
• Lessons from Aviation: Rail should adopt advanced cockpit technologies from other industries.
• Standardization: Unified designs reduce training time and improve usability.
• Future Innovation: Modern cockpits align with sustainability and efficiency goals.
• AI Collaboration: Seamless driver-AI integration enhances performance.Tendering Issues: Outdated practices limit innovation, favoring mirrors over cameras.
• Modernization Need: Embracing new technologies is critical for progress.

Sebastian Sperker

sebastian@railup.club

www.railup.club

About Ida Posner

Ida Posner leads strategic planning for RDC, a family-owned global railway investment and management company, rooted in bold, ambitious partnerships. For over three decades, RDC has invested in and operated railway systems across emerging markets in North America, Latin America, Europe and Africa. Ida serves as a board member of the Iowa Interstate Railroad, RDC-Deutschland, Eurorail, and RailPulse. Ida is also the Founder and Managing Partner of Hawthorne Food Ventures, a venture capital fund that invests in startups reducing food waste. She serves on the Board of ReFED, a U.S. nonprofit dedicated to ending food waste and as a Strategic Advisor to the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh. Ida holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a B.S.E. from Princeton University in Civil & Environmental Engineering.

About RDC

The Railroad Development Corporation (RDC), founded in 1987 and based in Pittsburgh, specializes in railway investment, management, and innovation worldwide, particularly in emerging markets. RDC has been involved in projects across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Africa, including the Iowa Interstate Railroad and ventures in Guatemala, Peru, and Estonia. Beyond traditional rail operations, RDC actively invests in software and innovative technologies to modernize railway systems and improve efficiency. In Germany, its subsidiary RDC Deutschland operates passenger and freight services, further diversifying its global portfolio and emphasizing sustainable, forward-thinking solutions in the rail sector.

www.rrdc.com

My Key Takeaways

• Rail Investments: Profitable opportunities span infrastructure, rail operations, suppliers, and rail tech globally.
• Pop-Up Metro: A battery-powered, flexible solution for passenger rail using existing infrastructure shows an innovative approach
• Customer Accessibility: Rail must improve platforms and reliability to match road freight's convenience.
• Lessons Learned: Early market challenges emphasize aligning new tech with practical feasibility and timing.
• Female Leadership: Mentorship and sponsorship are key to boosting diversity in rail.
• Data Sharing: Trust and shared goals drive breakthroughs in the rail ecosystem.
• Regional Challenges: U.S. rail thrives on private infrastructure; Europe grapples with regulatory hurdles.
• Vision for 2050: Advanced tech, optimized infrastructure, and a diverse workforce will fuel growth.
• Climate Action: Freight-to-rail shifts and waste reduction are vital for a greener future.

Sebastian Sperker

sebastian@railup.club

www.railup.club

About OTIV:
OTIV is a company specializing in AI-driven automation solutions for rail transport. Their technology focuses on improving the safety, efficiency, and reliability of rail operations through driver assistance, tele-operation and fully autonomous solutions. OTIV’s solutions help rail operators reduce human errors, optimize traffic flow, and enhance situational awareness using sensors, cameras, and AI-based processing. They are working with leading industrial, urban and mainline rail networks, supporting a more sustainable and intelligent future for rail mobility.

About Sam De Smet:
Sam is the co-founder of OTIV, a Ghent-based company specializing in autonomous technologies for rail transport. In his role, he leads the company’s strategy and commercial development. Before founding OTIV, Sam worked as a consultant at Roland Berger and the Boston Consulting Group, focusing on challenges in the transportation sector.

My Keytakeaways

• Innovation Requires Leadership: True change in the rail industry comes from a blend of innovative ideas and strong leadership.
• Step-by-Step Automation: Instead of jumping directly to full autonomy, progress is made in stages—from enhancing driver assistance systems to remote operations, and finally achieving complete automation.
• Tackling Real Challenges: Automation addresses major issues like driver shortages, high costs, and operational inflexibility.
• Tailored for Various Environments: Whether it's industrial sites, urban tram networks, or mainline operations, solutions must adapt to different contexts.
• Safety is Paramount: Achieving high safety standards (SIL) is critical, relying on extensive real-world testing and simulation to build a robust safety case.
• Clear Milestones: Near-term goals include launching advanced driver assistance and remote operations tests, with full automation targeted within the next decade.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Innovation is driven by listening to end users’ needs, not just the requirements of operators or manufacturers.
• Overcoming Testing Barriers: A key challenge is obtaining enough real-world safety data for regulatory approval, which requires breaking a “vicious circle.”
• AI as the Enabler: Artificial intelligence serves as the smart “brain” behind the systems, enhancing control and maintenance.
• Integrated Future Vision: The ultimate goal is a seamless, interconnected transport network that leverages both traditional rail and future technologies like Hyperloop.

Sebastian Sperker

sebastian@railup.club

www.railup.club

About Kyle Pattison

Kyle, at 63, continues to work 70+ hours a week, not because retirement hasn’t crossed his mind, but because he enjoys being part of a great team and making a meaningful impact. He believes that working with the right people brings joy even on challenging days. His passion for innovation and transforming the industry drives him forward. In his view, few people truly grasp how the world will evolve in the next 4 to 20+ years. The last time such a significant shift occurred, the 25th President was in office.

About Liès Ainouche

Liès brings global experience from France, Canada, and the U.S., spanning industries like Defense, Retail, Railways, and Biofuels. He specializes in supply chain optimization and training, having led projects such as the DCI Training Center and Canadian Pacific Carload Onboarding for 250+ customers. With expertise in fleet management, procurement, and contract negotiations, he has successfully trained teams worldwide and driven operational efficiency through process innovation and system implementation.

About Pattison Company

​Pattison Company, established in 1953, has a rich history of innovation across various industries, including agriculture, logistics, and mining. Among their diverse services, they offer specialized railcar storage solutions designed to optimize logistics and reduce costs. Their Empty Onsite Storage Solution (EOSS®) utilizes compact storage tracks and railcar stands that can be installed on virtually any flat ground, whether onsite or offsite, without the need for expensive switching equipment. This system allows for the storage of up to 100 railcars in spaces where conventional storage would typically be unfeasible. By implementing this innovative approach, clients can significantly minimize demurrage, detention fees, storage costs, and loading/unloading delays, thereby improving overall operational efficiency. Pattison's commitment to forward-thinking solutions is evident in their ability to anticipate industry needs and develop comprehensive systems that benefit the entire sector. ​

www.pattisoncompany.com

Keytake Aways

• Turning Crisis into Opportunity – "Never let a good crisis go to waste" – challenging times can spark innovation and drive transformative solutions.
• Innovation Through Problem-Solving – Solving internal business challenges can open doors to entirely new business opportunities.
• Simplicity Over Complexity – Not all innovations require AI or cutting-edge technology—sometimes, the most effective solutions are the simplest ones.
• A Simple & Elegant Approach – Instead of expensive traditional railcar storage, EOSS® leverages lightweight tracks and mobile loading technology to maximize unused land.
• Maximizing Cost Savings & Efficiency – EOSS® reduces demurrage fees, storage costs, and logistical delays, providing a flexible, cost-effective railcar management solution.
• Addressing U.S. Rail Challenges – Slow innovation adoption in the U.S. rail sector has created inefficiencies, pushing customers toward trucking and highlighting the need for modernization.
• Putting Customers First – Short-line railroads and smaller operators are often more innovative and customer-focused than large Class I railroads.
• Collaboration as a Catalyst – The fusion of Kyle Pattison’s deep industry expertise and Liès Ainouche’s strategic thinking led to a practical, high-impact solution.

Sebastian Sperker

sesbastian@railup.club

www.railup.club

About this Episode:As I turn 40, I find it a perfect time to reflect on four decades of rail history and innovation. In this summary, I highlight the most significant milestones from each decade.

Key Takeaways:

1980s:

• Deregulation Boosts Freight – The Staggers Rail Act in the U.S. increased efficiency and market share.
• Rise of Containerization – Global intermodal transport expanded rapidly.
• Computerized Scheduling – Early digital tools improved rail operations.

1990s:

• GPS & Digital Tracking – Real-time freight monitoring revolutionized logistics.
• European Rail Liberalization – Privatization boosted efficiency and competition.
• Heavy-Haul Rail Advances – Australia set new records in bulk transport.

2000s:

• China’s Rail Boom – $500B investment built major freight corridors.
• Intermodal Growth – E-commerce logistics drove rail expansion.
• Sustainability Focus – Hybrid locomotives and energy-efficient systems emerged.

2010s:

• Smart Railways – IoT and AI enhanced efficiency and tracking.
• Autonomous Trains – Fully automated heavy-haul operations debuted.
• Global Connectivity – China’s BRI expanded transcontinental rail freight.

Sebastian Sperker

www.railup.club

sebastian@railup.lcub

About Oliver von Sperber

Oliver is an entrepreneur, technology expert, and rail innovator who brings experience from investment banking and sensor technology to the railway sector. As the founder of AXO, he focuses on making rail infrastructure more resilient through smart, data-driven predictive maintenance.

With a background in forestry, he takes a long-term view of infrastructure—seeing railways as complex systems and vital public goods that require sustainable, generational thinking.

About AXO

AXO enhances the stability of rail networks by providing specialized sensor systems for rail switches. As critical infrastructure nodes, switches are essential for capacity and safe operations, yet remain maintenance-intensive and prone to failure.

With around 20% of infrastructure-related train delays caused by switch failures, AXO focuses on practical solutions to prevent disruptions. By detecting anomalies early, its technology enables infrastructure managers to take preventive action before operations are affected. AXO’s mission is to strengthen the long-term reliability and resilience of railways as a vital public good.

https://axotrack.de/

My Key Takeaways

• A single failed railway switch can disrupt an entire journey — that’s why people avoid tight connections.
• Railways and forests have more in common than you think: both are complex systems managed over decades.
• There are ~60,000 switches in Germany alone — each one a potential failure point.
• Just one local defect can trigger system-wide delays, showing how fragile rail networks are.
• In rail, every minute of delay costs ~€100 — small issues quickly become expensive.
• AXO sensors measure extreme forces up to 500 G, far beyond lab expectations.
• Early field tests completely destroyed the hardware, revealing real-world conditions.
• Instead of “AI-first,” AXO focused on understanding physics and data first.
• The mission is to digitize the intuition of experienced technicians before it disappears.
• The opportunity is global: high-speed, heavy haul, and metro systems all face the same challenge.

Sebastian Sperker

sebastian@railup.club

https://www.railup.club/

About Vicky Alman

Vicky, CEO of NIART Systems, a distinguished engineer who holds two advanced degrees, bringing a background from the highly regulated aerospace sector to the rail industry. At NIART, she leads the application of advanced AI and sensor technology to create predictive rail infrastructure. As a recognized industry leader, she specializes in the digital transformation of rail, focusing on how these innovations mitigate supply chain risk and eliminate the massive, hidden financial costs associated with incidents and infrastructure failures. She offers a crucial, data-driven perspective for global rail professionals.

About NIART Systems 

The company offers a unique radar-powered railway obstacle detection solution. Uncovering hidden obstacles and providing real-time insights in any condition, NIART aims to transform the rail industry by offering a solution that prevents accidents, reduces delays, and accelerates the shift towards safer, smarter and more reliable railways.

https://niart-systems.com/

About Lido Costa

Lido was the Lead Technical Engineer for the AutoHaul® Driverless Trains system for Rio Tinto, Australia, responsible for system integration, hardware and software architecture approval, and safety assurance strategy.Over the past five years, he has served as an Expert Consultant to DB Cargo (German Railways) on the ATO/RTO Betuwe Project — Europe’s first freight ATO and Remote Train Operation initiative — and is also an Expert Consultant with NIART Perception Systems.With over 35 years’ experience in railway signalling, communications, and control systems, Lido has held senior roles on major projects across Europe (including the Madrid–Seville High Speed Line), Asia, Africa, and Australia.He is a Chartered Professional Engineer (Australia), a Fellow of the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (FIRSE, UK), and winner of the 2021 Australasian Rail Industry Awards – Signalling and Systems Engineering Award.

My Key Takeaways

• Perception is the “eyes and ears” of autonomous trains — without it, autonomy is blind.
• Rail automation is reaching its limits with rule-based systems; higher capacity and safety demands push the next step.
• Sensor fusion (radar + cameras) is essential — no single sensor is reliable enough on its own.
• NIART (train spelled backwards) brings aerospace-grade, mission-critical engineering into rail.
• AutoHaul is called the “largest robot in the world.”
• The trains are massive: 2.5 km long, up to ~40,000 tons, fully automated in mainline operation.
• Biggest business driver: avoiding driver-change stops — restarting a 40,000-ton train costs serious time and fuel.
• Unexpected benefit: highly consistent driving reduces wear variability and improves maintenance planning.
• Fun fact: Western Australia reportedly has more camels than Saudi Arabia — and trains regularly encounter them.
• Next evolution: adding onboard perception systems to further reduce residual risks and increase flexibility and safety.

Sebastian Sperker

sebastian@railup.club

https://www.railup.club/

About Milan

Milan Karunaratne is a Vice President at Wabtec with nearly two decades of experience pioneering digital solutions in rail transportation across GE and Wabtec. He leads the global Digital Advanced Technology organization within the Office of the CTO, bringing a startup-style approach to innovation within a large enterprise. A Railway Age "25 Under 40" award recipient with an MS in Mechanical Engineering (Stony Brook) and MBA (UCLA), Milan and his team specialize in translating emerging technologies like automation, robotics, and AI into production-ready solutions that deliver measurable impact to safety, reliability, and operational performance.

About Wabtec

Wabtec Corporation is revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations. The Company is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services for the freight and transit rail industries, as well as the mining, marine and industrial markets. 

https://www.wabteccorp.com/

My Key Takeaways

• Big players can innovate too – As Wabtec’s history shows, even long-established rail companies can reshape the industry when innovation is taken seriously.
• Autonomy is a must for the future – It’s not hype, but essential to improve safety, efficiency, and rail’s competitiveness against road transport.
• Rail is already a high-tech system – Rail networks are among the most complex and data-rich platforms in the world.
• Maverick is the North Star – The Maverick project represents the long-term vision for autonomous rail, especially in shunting and local operations.
• Pathfinder delivers value today – A pragmatic upgrade that brings modern digital, safety, and automation capabilities to existing locomotives.
• Big innovation happens in steps – Breakthroughs come from many smaller innovations, not one giant leap.
• Autonomy needs the whole system – Locomotives, yards, IT, data, and processes must evolve together.
• Humans stay in the loop – Automation supports people; it doesn’t replace them.
• Safety and regulation come first – Rail autonomy must respect the unique physical and operational constraints of rail.
• Get your hands dirty – Real innovation means experimenting, iterating, failing fast, and learning by doing.

Sebastian Sperker

https://www.railup.club/

sebastian@railup.club

About Bernhard Frei

Bernhard is a strategy and innovation expert with 25+ years of leadership experience in mobility, industry, and technology. As Director of Corporate Development at PROSE AG, he shapes the strategic transformation of a leading European mobility engineering company. Previously, he held senior roles at Zoppas Industries, ALPHA ET, and Kraft Foods. He is a SWISSRAIL board member, university lecturer, and holds a PhD in Business Administration, an Executive MBA, and engineering degrees.

About Felix Saur

Felix is a Senior Consultant at PROSE AG in Bern. For more than 15 years, he has led numerous projects in the field of running gear and measurement technology for rail vehicles. At PROSE, Felix is particularly responsible for troubleshooting projects. In addition, he works on wheelset torsion issues involving wheelset axles, as well as challenges such as the demand-oriented railhead conditioning presented in this podcast, which require interdisciplinary solution approaches.

About Prose

PROSE is a leading European engineering and consulting company for the mobility sector, with a strong focus on rail transportation. The company supports rail manufacturers, operators, maintenance providers, and authorities in the areas of rolling stock engineering, maintenance, certification, safety, digitalization, and systems engineering.

With around 150 employees at several locations across Europe, PROSE combines deep technical expertise with strong strategic consulting capabilities. The company focuses on innovative, sustainable, and economically robust solutions that cover the full lifecycle of rail vehicles and mobility systems.

PROSE is regarded as an independent, manufacturer-neutral partner and is the market leader in engineering and consulting for the rail sector within the EU. It guides customers through complex transformation processes, develops future-oriented business models, and strengthens the competitiveness of the European mobility industry.

https://prose.one/

Key Takeaways

• A serendipitous beginning: COVID forced PROSE to rethink their approach — leading to an unexpected discovery that kick-started the Bern project.
• A decades-old problem: Bern’s trams produced loud curve squealing — a nuisance no one had truly solved.
• AI meets acoustics: Trams equipped with microphones,GPS, and weather data predict noise before it happens.
• Swarm intelligence: Only part of the fleet needssensors — they collectively guide lubrication like a hive.
• 98% noise reduction: Bern transforms into a “silent city,” with complaints disappearing almost instantly.
• Lucky discovery, bigger impact: Felix realized acoustic fingerprints reveal much more — enabling new use casesfor freight, passenger trains, and maintenance.
• Mindset matters: Openness, willingness to fail, andblending digital skills with veteran expertise are key.
• Swiss rail magic: Strong societal support and integrated planning make Switzerland the ideal birthplace for such serendipitous breakthroughs.
• Less concrete: Every euro poured into new tracks triggers seven euros in maintenance later — a cost spiral that demands smarter, not bigger, rail systems.

Sebastian Sperker

sebastian@railup.club

https://www.railup.club/

About Dominic Joshua 

Joshua co-founded Dreamstar Lines to tackle the hassle of U.S. medium-distance travel, inspired by the efficiency of European and Asian trains. He leads the company’s vision and strategy with 15 years’ experience across startups, finance, transportation, and logistics. A U.S. Air Force Reserves veteran specializing in transportation/logistics, he holds an Economics degree from Columbia University. Joshua began in corporate strategy and M&A before moving into startup growth roles at Darktrace and CloudKitchens.

About Dreamstar Lines

Dreamstar Lines is a U.S. startup building premium overnight passenger trains, starting with Los Angeles ↔ San Francisco. The service targets “too long to drive, too short to fly” trips with private sleepers (ensuite showers), a lounge car, morning arrival, optional auto-carry, and pet-friendly cabins. Pricing aims to undercut last-minute flights and flight+hotel, with interiors by BMW Designworks and operations on lightly used nighttime corridors in partnership with track owners. The goal is to launch by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and scale into a national network of medium-distance night routes.

https://www.dreamstarlines.com/

My Keytake aways 

• History comes full circle: Dreamstar flips the Orient Express story—this time a U.S. startup draws on Europe’s night-train revival.

• Real pain point: A “90-minute” flight often becomes 5+ hours door-to-door; the service targets that hassle, not just speed.

• Travel cadence: Board around 8–10 pm, unwind in the lounge, sleep, wake to coffee, and arrive meeting-ready.

• Culture stance: Not anti-car or anti-plane—pro-choice: make trains aspirational so people want to switch modes.

• Routing logic: Prioritizes arrival time over shortest path, using low-traffic nighttime corridors via host-railroad agreements.

• Initial consist & classes: Start with 4–6 cars; tiers include lie-flat pods, standard bedrooms, family rooms, and a larger suite—built to scale.

• Scaling economics: Begin premium to drive adoption, then add cars so revenue scales faster than cost, enabling broader affordability.

• Market education: Many Americans (outside the NEC) barely encounter passenger rail—opportunity to define the modern U.S. train experience.

• Amtrak contrast: Public-service obligations shape Amtrak; a private operator can optimize purely for customer satisfaction and viability.

• Sustainability framing: Position trains as the practical, lower-pollution choice today, while tracking zero-emission tech (batteries/H₂) for tomorrow.

  
  

  Sebastian Sperker

  sebastian@railup.club

  https://www.railup.club/

Episode Highlights – Autonomous Freight Rail 2025 🚆

In this episode, we dive into the latest progress from four global frontrunners in autonomous rail freight: Parallel Systems, Nevomo, Intramotev, and OTIV. From pilots to first commercial deployments, these startups are reshaping the future of freight transport.

Parallel Systems (US & Australia)

• 3rd-gen vehicle finalizing development— better performance, simpler assembly, and lower costs

• Closed a $38M Series B (January 2025) to scale production.

• Vision: accelerate the shift from trucks to rail.

• Team: ~50 staff in LA; hiring into manufacturing.

Nevomo (Poland, Germany, India)

• Pivoted from levitation to MagRail Booster propulsion for sidings & ports.

• BREMAG project (ArcelorMittal Bremen): cycle cut from 2 hours to 7 minutes.

• Supported by German rail innovation fund.

• Global footprint: MoU with DP World & Deendayal Port (India).

Intramotev (US)

• Carmeuse mine (Michigan): TugVolt in full production, >250,000 tons moved.

• New deployment with Watco at Wood River, Illinois.

• Growing team (~50); onboarded rail veteran Harry Zander as CCO.

• Expanding from private sites into regulated mainline operations.

OTIV (Belgium, Germany, Netherlands)

• Partnering with DB Cargo on Europe’s first automated freight locomotive trial.

• One-year pilot on the Betuweroute (start Oct 2025).

• Remote control + ATO with supervised autonomy (target: 60–70% autonomous).

• Autonomous Perception for mainline and shunting yard operations.

• Scaling into industrial rail sites and urban tram depots.

• Team ~40, aiming for ~80 in 2026; funding round closing Sept 2025.

Key Takeaway:
All four companies have moved from vision to pilots and first commercial deployments. Parallel and Intramotev are gaining traction in the US, Nevomo is scaling in Europe and India, and OTIV is embedded in a landmark DB Cargo trial. Together, they are driving the real-world shift toward autonomous freight rail.

Links
🌍 RailUp
🌍 Parallel Systems
🌍 Nevomo
🌍 Intramotev
🌍 OTIV

About Enno Wiebe

Enno is the Director General of UNIFE. After completing his civil engineering studies at the University of Applied Sciences in Dresden, Germany, and at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, he began his professional career at Deutsche Bahn. From 2007 to 2011, he worked at the International Union of Railways (UIC) in Paris, France. Before being appointed Director General of UNIFE, Enno Wiebe served as the Technical Director of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), where he oversaw the technical domain as well as other related policies and projects.

About UNIFE

UNIFE (Union of the European Railway Industries) is the association representing Europe’s rail supply industry, gathering over 120 leading companies and 12 national rail associations. Founded in 1992 and based in Brussels, its members account for 84% of the European and 46% of the global rail market. UNIFE promotes interoperability, coordinates EU-funded research, and works closely with EU institutions and standardisation organisations. It advocates for the industry’s interests at both European and international levels, aiming to ensure high-quality rail systems and strengthen the sector’s technological leadership. UNIFE also produces the biennial World Rail Market Study, leads the UNISIG committee for ERTMS/CCS standards, and supports the IRIS Certification platform.

www.unife.org

My Key Takeaways

•  UNIFE brings together over 130 rail suppliers, ranging from global industry leaders to innovative start-ups.

•  Close collaboration between rail suppliers and operators is essential to drive the major transformation ahead.

•  Europe’s rail sector requires substantial investments in infrastructure and ERTMS.

•  Innovation and exceptional product quality remain the industry’s defining strengths.

•  Flagship initiatives include the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) and ERTMS.

•  Balancing long asset lifecycles with rapid technological advancements is a key challenge.

•  European rail technology stands as a global leader and major exporter.

•  AI enables predictive maintenance, yet safety remains the top priority.

•  The vision: cross-border high-speed rail as the backbone of sustainable mobility.

Sebastian Sperker

www.railup.club

sebastian@railup.club

About Eyal Trichter

Eyal is a seasoned tech executive with over 20 years of experience in R&D, project management, and business development. As CEO of Trilogical, he leads innovation in data-driven solutions for critical sectors including rail, defense, aviation, and logistics. Known for translating complex needs into practical, high-impact technologies, Eyal has driven the development of advanced monitoring and predictive maintenance platforms—especially in the rail industry. His hands-on leadership continues to position Trilogical as a trusted innovation partner. 

About Trilogical Technologies 

Trilogical is an Israeli company providing advanced telematics and remote monitoring solutions for the rail, defense, aviation, and logistics sectors. Specializing in real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance, the company enables wireless data exchange between locomotives and wagons through its mesh-based “virtual digital coupling” system. Trilogical’s technologies are known for their reliability, low energy use, and strong cybersecurity, with deployments across Europe, Africa, Asia, the U.S., and Israel.

www.trilogical.com

Key Takeaways 

• Tech Transfer: Trilogical brings innovations from aviation and defense into the rail sector.
• vDAC Solution: Their Virtual Digital Automatic Coupling enables wireless, energy-efficient communication between wagons and locomotives using mesh technology.
• Resilient Design: Works even if some wagons are unequipped or offline; auto-configures in real time.
• Focus on Data: Main value lies in diagnostics, monitoring, and operational insights—not mechanical coupling.
• Proven Deployment: Solutions are already live in Africa, Israel, Europe, and the U.S.
• Cybersecurity Risk: Hacking wagon sensors could disrupt operations—cyber protection is essential and still underestimated.
• Sustainability Impact: Digital tools help shift freight from road to rail and reduce emissions.
• Innovation Bottlenecks: Regulation, limited budgets, and conservative mindsets slow progress—even in Europe.
• AI & Edge Computing: Central to predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and smart diagnostics.
• 2050 Vision: A green, autonomous, fully connected rail system, integrated into the wider mobility network.

Sebastian Sperker

www.railup.club

sebastian@railup.club

About Erez Abittan

Erez leads Palantir Technologies’ commercial transportation sector. He collaborates closely with Palantir’s clients across industries to transform business through the strategic use of data and AI in transportation operations. He holds an MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and an MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the École Supérieure d’Électricité in France. Erez is based in New York City.

About Palantir 

Palantir is a leading AI software company specializing in data integration technology that empowers organizations across the military, Fortune 500 companies, transportation, energy, and healthcare sectors to seamlessly embed artificial intelligence into their operations.

www.palantir.com 

Key Takeaways 

• Palantir helps organizations make data-driven decisions by integrating and refining scattered, siloed data.
• Originally developed for defense, Palantir now supports many industries, including rail, with similar data challenges.
• The company’s platforms, Foundry and AIP, power operations in rail through advanced analytics and AI tools.
• Human-machine collaboration is central: AI supports, but doesn’t replace, human decision-making.
• In rail, the real value of AI lies in optimizing asset usage and improving operational efficiency—not just saving time.
• Real-world examples include dynamic scheduling for track maintenance and smart wheel change planning.
• Palantir enables cross-company collaboration with tools like Foundry Peering, which allows selective data sharing between partners.
• Innovation culture differs: the U.S. is faster and more experimental (“fail fast”), while Europe tends to be more cautious.
• Palantir’s culture emphasizes mission-driven thinking, autonomy, and flat hierarchies—people are expected to think deeply and act independently.
• Hiring focuses on how candidates think, not just what they've done, leading to a highly capable and adaptable workforce.

Sebastian Sperker

sebastian@railup.club

www.railup.club

About Mario Mikuschek

Mario is a Senior Manager at Accenture with over ten years of experience in strategy, consulting, and digital transformation. He has led numerous international projects in areas such as IoT, supply chain, data & analytics, and asset management. As co-founder and co-lead of Accenture’s Railway Center of Excellence, he plays a key role in shaping the future of rail through digital innovation. His background also includes managing aerospace projects and providing strategic guidance across the transport industry.

About Accenture 

Accenture is a leading global professional services company with around 801,000 employees in over 120 countries. The company helps businesses, governments, and organizations build their digital core, optimize operations, and drive sustainable growth. With strong expertise in cloud, data, and AI, and deep industry and consulting experience, Accenture delivers services across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X, and Song. Its mission is to create 360° value for clients, partners, employees, and society at large.

www.accenture.com

About Accenture Railway Center of Excellence 

Launched in 2023, Accenture’s Railway Center of Excellence (CoE) combines deep rail expertise with advanced digital capabilities. With over 150 experts supporting more than 20 clients across 20+ countries, the CoE focuses on making rail transport in Europe future-ready. Key focus areas include digital customer interfaces, automated rail operations, resource and planning optimization, and connectivity and standards (e.g., FRMCS, ETCS). The CoE’s mission is to shape a sustainable, efficient, and connected future of mobility.

My Key Takeaways 

• Slow ETCS Rollout in Europe – High retrofit costs and lack of coordination hinder progress.
• Diesel Dilemma – Retrofitting diesel engines for ETCS is crucial but often neglected.
• Fragmented Implementation – Different ETCS rollout speeds across countries block cross-border rail operations.
• Middle East as a Role Model – Saudi Arabia leads with ETCS Level 2, thanks to a greenfield approach.
• GCC Railway – Aims to connect Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman via a 2,177 km rail network.
• Saudi Mega Projects – Saudi Arabia is also advancing major projects like NEOM, where rail mobility plays a key role.
• ATO Emerging – Automation is growing, with successful pilots such as Hamburg’s digital S-Bahn.
• Shifting Roles – Automation is reshaping responsibilities between infrastructure managers and railway undertakings. These new roles will significantly impact the entire ecosystem.
• Use Existing Tech – Technologies like cloud, AI, and analytics should be applied effectively, not reinvented.
• Future Vision – Mario calls for faster digital rollout, a shift to green mobility, and the creation of a unified European rail system.

Sebastian Sperker

sebastian@railup.club

www.railup.club