|
Railway Technology in Kiel
The Future of Railway Technology in Kiel
and Schleswig-Holstein
Rail technology has a long tradition in Kiel. Some of the companies in the railway and locomotive sector that are still active today established themselves in Kiel well over 100 years ago. As the transport sector moves towards climate neutrality, it is undergoing a period of transformation. Particularly, rail transport is set to play a key role in this mobility transition. However, regulations, technology, and infrastructure are still outdated, and therefore major innovation projects are hindered within the sector.
What contributions can the rail transport sector in northern Germany make, in order to overcome these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities to steer rail transport towards a digital and sustainable future?
Dr. Barbara Weig
Our contact person for railway technology
The Diverse Railway Technology Sector in Schleswig-Holstein
The spectrum of the approximately forty railway technology companies currently based in Schleswig-Holstein are not only broad, but encompassing firms specializing in: signalling and safety technology, energy technology, information technology, new rolling stock construction, maintenance, and the service sector. Scientists in Kiel from the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Civil Engineering and (Transport) Planning have also made railway technology a key focus of their research within the context of the mobility transition.
The Railway Technology Advisory Board: Supporting & Developing Innovation
Representatives from industry and science have come together with their expertise to form the Railway Technology Advisory Board, which aims at supporting the railway technology sector in Schleswig-Holstein, as well as developing joint innovation projects. The KiWi co-founded the Advisory Board in 2019. Today, KiWi’s Innovation Manager, Dr. Barbara Weig, is part of the four-member executive committee. The Railway Technology Advisory Board meets regularly, organizes workshops, and initiates working groups on the diverse topics of railway technology.
A Tradition Since 2019: The Railway Technology Conference
All those interested in railway technology from companies, universities, government bodies, and associations come together once a year at the Railway Technology Conference to explore the latest trends and the future of rail transport, as well as to network and to discuss current issues facing the sector.
The first Railway Technology Conference was launched in 2019 jointly by the KiWi and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Since then, the conference has taken place annually.
From 2020, the Railway Technology Advisory Board has been advising on and organizing the conference and its thematic focuses.
9th Railway Technology Conference 2027
The next conference is expected to take place in February 2027.
Topics at the Railway Technology Conference
Ambitious climate targets, the energy and mobility transition, new propulsion technologies, digitalization, and the next generation of skilled workers present both challenges and opportunities for the railway industry. Innovative projects by Deutsche Bahn – such as the digital rail network – will be discussed at the conference, as well as the new battery-powered vehicles for NAH.SH, and the future plans for the Kiel light rail system. In addition, railway technology companies from Schleswig-Holstein will present their innovative products and services at the conference.
The 8th Railway Technology Conference highlights that innovation in Schleswig-Holstein is possible when cooperation is built on expertise, trust, and mutual understanding. The Railway Technology Advisory Board and the annual conference play a central role in fostering this collaboration..
Here you can read all the reports available from recent years, as well as news and announcements relating to railways and railway technology in Kiel (only in German).
A Test Track for Innovation
Thanks to the REAKT initiative and the Malente-Lütjenburg Rail Transport Association, a test track has been launched between Malente and Lütjenburg in Schleswig-Holstein for testing new rail technologies. This test track, the advisory board’s network, and the existing expertise offer great potential for future innovations made in Schleswig-Holstein. Since May 2024, it has been confirmed that the REAKT initiative is one of the twenty selected innovation projects to be funded through the new DATIpilot scheme by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. REAKT will receive funding of 5 million euros over four years.