GBRX, part of Network Rail Infrastructure Limited, plans to establish a new Utilities Dynamic Market for rail innovation and technology. The X platform will act as a shop window through which suppliers can join the market and compete for future research, trial, pilot and deployment opportunities.
The proposal is designed to give SMEs, new entrants and established rail suppliers a clearer route into innovation procurement. There is no published programme value at this stage, and joining the dynamic market will not guarantee work.
How the Utilities Dynamic Market will work
Unlike a closed framework, the proposed market is intended to remain continuously open. Suppliers that meet proportionate conditions of membership will be able to join and respond to future tender notices issued against defined problem statements.
The preliminary market engagement notice states that the X platform may be used by Network Rail, GBRX, the Department for Transport, DfT Operator Limited and other bodies within the Network Rail group where their requirements fall within scope.
Future competitions may move through several stages, including market engagement, research and development, trials, pilots, demonstrations, phased delivery and down-selection. Contract awards and wider deployment will depend on the solution, available funding and confirmed business need.
Technology areas under consideration
The proposed scope is broad and includes:
- data integration, advanced analytics and data science;
- artificial intelligence and computer vision;
- train-borne asset management technology;
- network and asset system modelling;
- network planning, predictability and passenger communications;
- train control and positioning technologies; and
- energy generation and energy management.
The final market may be divided into categories or parts. GBRX is using engagement to test that structure, the conditions of membership and any barriers that could prevent innovative suppliers from taking part.
Suppliers entering the sector can also review our rail tenders guidance, which covers common rail buyer expectations and the evidence needed to compete for rail contracts.
Why the opportunity may suit new entrants
The market is intended to support collaboration and consortium working where appropriate. That matters for technology businesses with a strong product but limited rail-sector delivery experience. A supplier may be able to combine its specialist capability with systems integration, operational or assurance expertise from another organisation.
However, an open route to market does not remove the need for evidence. Future problem statements are likely to require a clear explanation of the technology, the operational issue it addresses, integration requirements, testing needs and the route from trial to scalable deployment.
Quick facts
- Contracting organisation: Network Rail Infrastructure Limited through GBRX
- Commercial model: Proposed Utilities Dynamic Market
- Platform: X platform
- Geographic scope: United Kingdom
- Supplier webinar: 29 July 2026
- Engagement deadline: 30 September 2026
What suppliers should do during engagement
Suppliers should review whether the proposed categories reflect how their technology is bought and delivered. They should also comment on proportionate entry requirements, intellectual property, collaboration, testing costs and the evidence needed to progress from a pilot into wider adoption.
It is useful to prepare a short problem-led capability statement before the webinar. This should explain the rail issue addressed, the maturity of the solution, previous deployments, integration requirements, data dependencies and how success would be measured. Avoid presenting technology without a defined operational application.
Thornton & Lowe supports rail, technology and innovation suppliers with market engagement, partnership strategy and future tender responses.
