HS2 Ltd has opened its Innovation Accelerator programme to cutting-edge technology firms.

The company launched the search for small innovative firms and start-ups to become part of the third cohort to join its Innovation Accelerator programme, in partnership with Connected Places Catapult and Bruntwood SciTech.

HS2 is looking for five SMEs to develop new thinking, technology and processes in how data and digital technologies can be harnessed to help the project achieve one of its strategic aims of shrinking its carbon footprint.

Inside the Accelerator, based at Bruntwood SciTech's Innovation Birmingham campus, the firms will focus on how data utilisation and use of digital technologies could drive efficiencies in use of materials; energy and fuel; and management of construction site operations to help reduce carbon emissions.

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Separately HS2 Ltd is looking for Innovation Accelerator entrants to develop ideas on how digital technology can ensure the railway is designed and built to the highest health, safety and security standards.

To help achieve this, the project is specifically looking for innovations that raise health and safety standards on delivery of major infrastructure projects; manage and drive down risk to prevent injury; and strengthen security to protect construction site plant and machinery.

HS2 Ltd innovation manager Rob Cairns said: "Innovation has a crucial role to play in cutting energy consumption and carbon emissions on HS2, so we’re looking for creative and fresh thinking on how to achieve this. The safety and security of our construction sites is of paramount importance to us. Harnessing the power of digital technology has the potential to play a key role in helping HS2 to continually drive up safety and security standards.

"We're utilising HS2’s scale and longevity to create an environment where innovation can flourish, the benefits of which will be felt both by this project and provide a legacy of progress for the industry."