Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has launched the second edition of its Global Rail Innovation Award. This year’s initiative includes a grant of AED 1 million (USD 273.000), aimed at encouraging pioneering solutions across the transport, mobility, and logistics sectors.
Submissions are now open to startups, research institutions, technology firms, and individual innovators worldwide. Finalists and winners will be recognised at the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference (GRTIEC) 2025, to be held from 30 September to 2 October at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi.
Global Innovation Award
Through this award, Etihad Rail seeks to promote next-generation technologies and infrastructure enhancements, further positioning the UAE as a global hub for innovation in rail and multimodal transport systems.
The award highlights solutions that tackle real-world challenges in rail and freight operations. Entries will be assessed for their technical originality, scalability, commercial potential, and relevance to future global transport demands.
Categories and eligibility
The competition is open internationally. Eligible participants include companies, research teams, and individuals working on forward-thinking projects in areas such as:
- Rail technology and infrastructure
- Smart logistics
- Passenger mobility systems
- Predictive maintenance and AI applications
Key dates
- Submission deadline: 31 July 2025
- Winners announced: 30 September–2 October 2025 at GRTIEC, ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi
Building on 2024 success
The 2024 edition drew over 75 entries from across the globe. Past winners included:
- CEMIT for its real-time ride comfort and infrastructure monitoring system
- LTTS for AI-powered detection of visible rail defects
- SYSTRA for its predictive digital twin modelling of railway assets
These innovations were praised for their practical applications and global scalability.
Finalists and winners will benefit from international visibility during one of the transport sector’s major events. Their projects will be featured in technical sessions attended by government ministers, industry leaders, investors, and rail operators.
Participants will also gain opportunities to collaborate directly with Etihad Rail and its global partners, enhancing the potential for commercial adoption and long-term impact.
Submissions are open until 31 July 2025. Applicants can find further details and apply via the official portal: https://www.grtiec.com/innovation-awards.
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