(LONDON)
Virgin Trains is searching for disruptive innovators to help it transform the future of rail travel.
Its PlatformX accelerator programme wants to hear from startups who can pioneer solutions to a series of challenges the Virgin Group wants to overcome. Virgin Trains, in partnership with Virgin StartUp, are calling for young companies to come forward with ideas that can improve customer experience, provide information on what travellers want, or alleviate stress or irritation when there are delays or other operational issues. And they also want those currently making headway in improving customer experience to apply.
“As part of the Virgin Group, we are always on the lookout for ways to do things differently. Platform X gives us a great opportunity to invite ideas from technologists and entrepreneurs about how we could transform rail journeys in the future and in return provides start-ups with an opportunity to grow and scale their business. We’re really excited about hearing from the brightest and best innovators about how we can do things differently, and we hope we can help take some of these start-ups with us on a journey that will help make their ideas become reality,” said Warrick Dent, Safety and Operations Director at Virgin Trains on the east coast.
Startups selected in June will begin a five-week programme the following month. They will get access to office space in London, receive expert mentoring from Virgin’s top team, and learn more about potential funding support.
“Virgin has a history of empowering and supporting those looking to create positive disruptive change. The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree where Virgin StartUp is concerned; we’ve so far supported over 1800 entrepreneurs and from our experience this community is one of the most vibrant in the business world,” added Mei Shui, Managing Director of Virgin StartUp.
Applications close on the 28 May.
