14 Mar 2025

Transport for Wales (TfW) and Media Cymru are joining forces to launch an exciting new accelerator programme, designed to support Welsh businesses and entrepreneurs in developing cutting-edge innovations for the transport sector. 

With applications now open, this 10-week programme will provide expert led training, delivered by the Lab by TfW team and PDR - a world leading design consultancy and applied research facility to help start-ups turn ideas into scalable, market-ready solutions. Following the research and development (R&D) lab, there will be an opportunity to apply for funding of up to 30K from TfW and up to 50K from Media Cymru.

TfW are looking to enhance customer experience, efficiency, and sustainability across its transport network via their dedicated innovation services offered by the Lab by TfW team.

The programme is partnered with Media Cymru - a 22-partner media innovation consortium funded by UKRI - who have a mission to drive transformative innovation in the Cardiff Capital Region’s media sector, with a focus on fair, green, global, economic growth.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to test and deploy their solutions directly within Transport for Wales, with a focus on solving key industry challenges.

What is Transport for Wales and Media Cymru looking for?

Coupled with a fresh new partnership with Media Cymru, they are looking for the right people that can tackle the following challenge areas:

Media Specific Challenges as outlined by Media Cymru (Must be based in Wales for the Media Challenge):

• Supporting tourism via the transport network.
• Strengthening the use of the Welsh language across the network.
• Creating mixed-media experiences to improve commuter journeys.
• Promoting the brand and/or offering using new forms of media
• Attracting people to use the network via new media

Gavin Johnson, Research and Development Producer, Media Cymru said:

"We're pleased to announce this ambitious new collaboration with Transport for Wales. Together with Lab by TfW, we're bringing together creative innovators to devise and imagine new, accessible experiences and products for people travelling on a range of routes across TFW's network.

“The innovation process at Lab by TfW will not only hone a selection of market-ready ideas but pave the way for new possibilities for the future of active travel and tourism in Wales.

This collaboration is all about shaking things up, building new habits, and bringing fresh, innovative opportunities to the rail network."

Transport Specific Challenges as outlined by Transport for Wales:

• Revenue Generation and Cost Efficiency

- Identifying new revenue opportunities

- Designing cost-effective solutions

- Leveraging AI to enhance operations

• Modal Shift and Engagement

- Encouraging more people to use sustainable transport

- Developing an integrated, sustainable transport system

• Operational Excellence

- Improving rail and bus performance

- Enhancing safety for passengers and staff

- Strengthening climate resilience

Why Join?

Participants will benefit from:

• Access to funding of up to £30K (TfW ) and £50K (Media Cymru)
• Specialist R&D training to refine and develop their ideas
• Expert mentorship and industry support
• The opportunity to deploy their innovation with Transport for Wales

Barry Lloyd, Head of Innovation and New Product Development said:

"I am excited for the launch of cohort 6 of Lab by TfW’s Innovation Accelerator, a transformative initiative designed to ignite creativity and drive groundbreaking ideas for the transport and media sectors in Wales.

This program is tailored to empower visionary minds, fostering an environment where innovative concepts can flourish and evolve into impactful solutions.

I look forward to welcoming successful applicants to our dedicated innovation space in TfW HQ for the programme.”

How to Apply

Applications are now LIVE! Interested businesses and individuals can find out more about the programme and apply via https://tfw.wales/lab/accelerator.

Accessibility

If you have any specific requirements that would make the application more accessible to you (such as advice, scribing or reading support) or would like to discuss this application in an alternative format (video or audio formats, audio narration, large font, plain text, or alternative language) please email media.cymru@cardiff.ac.uk or phone 02922 511 434.

Join us in shaping the future of transport innovation in Wales! To find out more about Media Cymru, visit their website: https://media.cymru