2 September 2026: Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), the Railway Industry Association (RIA) and Cognizant have announced today a new event to explore how data, AI and digital technology can be leveraged to transform the railways.

With the UK rail sector entering a period of major structural reform alongside rapid advances in the use of data, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology. ITS UK, RIA and Cognizant are bringing together leaders from across the rail and technology sectors for an Intelligent Railway Summit, a one-day conference exploring how technology can help shape the railway of the future.

The Summit will take place on 7 October at Cognizant’s offices in London, and will bring together representatives from the Department for Transport, Great British Railways (GBR) and GBRX, train operators, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the railway supply chain and technology providers.

In a bid to make sure the next generation of innovators have their voices heard too, there will also be fully funded exhibition places for up to six small businesses, providing an opportunity for emerging innovators to showcase their products and services directly to leaders from across the railway sector. Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 18 September.

Max Sugarman, Chief Executive at ITS UK, said: “The railway is at a pivotal moment. Reforms are taking place at the same time as we see rapid advances in AI, data and digital technology, creating a unique opportunity to fundamentally rethink how we make the most out of technology going forward.

Simon Scott, Technical and Innovation Director at RIA, said: “The opportunities of AI, data and digital technology have significant potential, and we are already in process of realising the benefits of these technologies. The question the Intelligent Railway Summit will address, is how we move the maturity dial further and faster whilst keeping the operational railway running and performing.”

Yatin Mahandru, Head of Public Sector & Health UK&I at Cognizant, said: “The rail industry has a unique opportunity to shape its future at a time of significant change. Technology will play an important role, but success will depend on bringing together the right expertise, perspectives and experience from across the sector. The Intelligent Railway Summit creates a space for industry leaders, innovators and technology specialists to have those conversations and explore how AI, data and digital technology can support the next chapter of the railway.”

A full agenda will be announced shortly.

Note to Editors

1. Find out more about the Intelligent Railway Summit and register.

2. Apply to exhibit at the Intelligent Railway Summit. 

3. About Intelligent Transport Systems UK: Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK) is the voice of the transport technology industry, a sector that provides £3.2 billion in economic value, supports 45,000 jobs and provides £500 million in tax revenue. ITS UK provides a national platform to support the roll-out of technology for a cleaner, safer and more effective transport network, both at home and abroad. We support our 200+ members from the private and public sectors, covering all sizes and disciplines, through advocacy to policymakers, connecting people and organisations, promoting the industry overseas and supporting innovation across the intelligent transport ecosystem.

4. About the Railway Industry Association: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) champions a dynamic UK rail supply sector. It helps to grow a sustainable and high-performing railway, while promoting UK rail expertise and products to international markets. Rail is a foundation sector for the UK economy, supporting sustainable investment and jobs in communities across the country. For every £1 in the rail transport system, over £2.50 of value is generated in the wider economy. The whole rail industry contributes £41 billion in economic value and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, while supporting over 640,000 jobs throughout the UK. RIA has more than 480 companies in membership and is active across the whole railway supply chain, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multinational companies and SMEs, which make up around 60% of its membership.

5. About Cognizant: Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for its clients. Its focus on talent, skills and communities is unwavering. In the UK public sector, Cognizant helps organisations modernise technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences. It enables government departments across health, defence and central government to deliver tailored citizen-facing services and solutions that meet the unique needs of the citizens they serve. See cognizant.ai or follow @cognizant.