Swiss rolling stock manufacturer Stadler and Portuguese company Critical Software have announced the establishment of a joint venture, Stadler Digital Labs (STADL), specializing in software development for the railway sector.
The new entity combines Stadler’s expertise in rolling stock and railway systems with Critical Software’s skills in software engineering, safety-critical systems, cybersecurity, and advanced digital solutions.
Structure and development plan
The joint venture will have a shareholding structure of 51% Stadler and 49% Critical Software. The Portuguese company will act as a strategic founding partner, responsible for establishing the foundations for engineering, safety, cybersecurity, and innovation.
Stadler Digital Labs will have offices in Coimbra and Lisbon (the latter within Critical Software’s facilities) and will start operations with a team of around 100 employees, with the goal of reaching 300 specialists in the next three years. Rogério Gomes will serve as CEO.
“Stadler Digital Labs reflects the strategic alignment between two organizations with converging visions on innovation, safety, and modernization of the railway sector. Railways are not only relevant for the growth of the Portuguese economy, but also for the development of a safe and interoperable European mobility ecosystem,” said Rogério Gomes.
Focus on critical software and cybersecurity
The new company will provide scalable engineering capacity and end-to-end solutions in the field of railway software, cybersecurity, and digital products.
The proposed model aims to reuse software assets, standardize processes, and transfer knowledge efficiently, combining railway expertise with modern development practices already validated in critical industries.
“Our experience in critical software engineering and complex systems will help bring Stadler’s ambitious vision for the rail and mobility sector to fruition,” said Gonçalo Quadros, president of Critical Software.
Founded in 1998, Critical Software specializes in embedded software development, certification support services, and critical systems verification and validation, operating in sectors such as rail, defense, space, and medical devices.
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