DIGITAL & AUTOMATIC UP TO AUTOMATED TRAIN OPERATIONS

The EU grant opportunity titled "DIGITAL & AUTOMATIC UP TO AUTOMATED TRAIN OPERATIONS" is part of the HORIZON-JU-ER-2025-FA2-01 program under the EU-Rail Joint Undertaking. The primary objective is to enhance digital and automated train operations, focusing on developing next-generation Automatic Train Control (ATC) systems to improve rail capacity, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall performance.

The opportunity opens on October 30, 2025, and applications are due by February 11, 2026. The total funding available for this initiative is €33.1 million, with a maximum of one project expected to receive funding. This is a Horizon JU Innovation Action, and grants will be awarded as lump sums, covering 60% of eligible costs, requiring participants to fund the remaining 40% through co-funding and in-kind contributions.

Eligible applicants include a diverse array of stakeholders such as rail infrastructure managers, railway undertakings, urban light rail operators, rail suppliers (system integrators and manufacturers), research institutions, academia, SMEs, and startups. A consortium comprising various experts is mandatory, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the project, which covers technological levels from research to demonstration, aiming for Technology Readiness Levels between 3 to 7.

The target sector for this initiative is transport, particularly the railway domain, focusing on digital technologies, automation systems like ERTMS and ATO, and ensuring cybersecurity within rail operations. The project emphasizes operational scenarios across different train types, including passenger and freight trains, and aims to address challenges such as mixed traffic situations and the enhancement of safety systems.

This initiative seeks to develop 18 different technical enablers for operational performance, capacity enhancement, and cost-effective deployment, with demonstrations planned for various contexts by 2028. Collaboration with linked initiatives within Europe's Rail program is essential to foster interoperability and achieve the project’s ambitious aims.

In summary, the funding aims to significantly advance automation and digitalization within European rail operations, establishing a more efficient, safe, and competitive rail network while contributing to broader European transportation goals.

DESTINATION 2 Digital & Automated up to Autonomous Train Operations

This EU grant opportunity focuses on advancing digital and automated train operations towards autonomous systems. It aims to solve rail capacity problems by leveraging digitalization and automation, specifically through the development of next-generation Automatic Train Control (ATC) technologies. The ATC encompasses Automatic Train Protection (ATP), Automatic Train Supervision (ATS), and Automated Train Operation (ATO), representing an evolution of current Control, Command and Signalling (CCS) subsystems.

The primary goal is to develop and demonstrate scalable automation in train operations, contributing to the Europe's Rail program and its Master Plan. The project aims to deliver operational solutions through demonstrators and technical enablers, reaching Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7.

Key expected outcomes include:

Implementation of operational solutions demonstrated through use cases, demonstrators, and technical enablers up to TRL7.
Next-generation ATC supporting backwards compatibility for all automation levels.
End-to-end customer solutions independent of existing infrastructure.
Modular hardware platform through decoupling of software from hardware.
Cost-effective solutions with consideration for maintainability, evolvability, and retrofitting.

The grant seeks solutions applicable to various train types, including passenger trains (high-speed, light rail, urban, suburban, regional, low-density lines), and freight trains, addressing complex scenarios like mixed traffic and power supply/ATP transitions.

Specific operational scenarios to be addressed include:

Mixed operation for radio-based ERTMS on lines with/without Trackside Train Detection (TTD) and Train Integrity Monitoring System (TIMS).
"Fully mature ERTMS" with continuous cab signalling for all modes.
Efficient processes for train stabling, formation, and preparation in various yards and terminals.
Georedundant ATC deployments for increased resilience.
Urban light rail automated operations.

By 2028, the Destination aims to deliver:

Demonstrations of ATO GoA3/4 over ETCS and on non-supervised lines (TRL7), including remote driving (TRL6) and perception (TRL6) elements in depots, yards, mainlines, regional and urban transport.
Demonstrations of Hybrid Train Detection (TRL6), moving block (TRL6), TIMS (TRL7), Satellite Communication (TRL4), Advanced Safe Train Positioning (TRL6), automated functions (TRL6), and digital register (TRL6).
Demonstrations of new-generation ATC supported by harmonized requirements and modular architectures (TRL3-6).
Demonstration of ACS/FRMCS adaptation for Wireless Object Controller and monitoring systems (TRL6).
Demonstration of a Multiconnectivity Platform (TRL6) to allow for radio bearers such as Gigabit radio or satellite connectivity, and different applications with FRMCS interfaces.
Demonstration of next-generation braking subsystems (TRL6).
Demonstrations for technical enablers like Virtual Coupling Train Set (TRL5), self-driving wagon (TRL5), autonomous route setting (TRL5), and validation/virtual certification (TRL6).

The action also includes preparatory work for future demonstrations in the Multi-annual Work Programme (MAWP), focusing on integrated demonstrations of technical enablers and maturity increases.

The action requires collaboration with Destination 5 (Sustainable Competitive Digital Green Rail Freight Services), Destination 6 (Regional rail services/innovative rail services to revitalise capillary lines), and Destination 1 (Network management planning and control & Mobility Management in a multimodal environment), providing necessary elements for their respective demonstrations.

The Flagship Project should develop the following capabilities and enablers:

Capability for improving operation performance:

Enabler 1: Automating functions, such as train preparation for both passenger and freight trains. Incident handling, vehicle self-healing and self-managing, cooperative awareness at TRL6 in 2028. The work shall also cover auto-diagnostics, operational tests and reset capability of DATO and next generation ATC operated trains.
Enabler 2: Absolute safe train positioning at TRL6 in 2028
Enabler 3: Train integrity highly accurate and safe, incorporating new sensors at TRL7 in 2028. Train Safe Length Determination at TRL6 (SIL4) in 2028.
Enabler 4: New ATO technology solutions for automated driving and decision-making, interoperable, and for all application and segments (including freight and regional) for commercial run at TRL 6/7 in 2028. It should include the already available integration of C-DAS and should include appropriate interfaces with TMS for energy network management;
Enabler 5: Connectivity solutions: train to ground communication (FRMCS) at TRL7, Multiconnectivity Platform (formerly ACS) at TRL6, Satellite Communications (TRL4) and V2X (TRL6) in 2028.
Enabler 6: Safe environment perception, including signal reading (when applicable) and obstacle detection (including for level crossing), supporting cooperative awareness, supported by virtual certification at TRL6 in 2028.
Enabler 7: Remote driving and command, for depots, for lines with low traffic, and for fall-back operations as well as for shunting at TRL6 in 2028.
Enabler 8: Autonomous route setting, on low traffic/regional networks, in terminals, in depots and in urban environment at TRL5 in 2028.
Enabler 9: a Digital Register, acting as a central data source for, e.g., safe train positioning, ATP, TMS and DATO at TRL6 in 2028.

Capability for offering more capacity to customers:

Enabler 10: ETCS Hybrid Train Detection and Moving block systems, taking into account aspects related to relative braking distance. Activities shall reach TRL6 for 2028 demonstration.
Enabler 11: A fully fledged Virtual coupling, another key element to achieve shorter headways and operational flexibility, supported by enhanced connectivity and localisation, shall also be developed at TRL5, taking into account the outputs from the EU-Rail System Pillar.
Enabler 12: This development shall also include self-driving freight wagons (supporting cooperative awareness). Activities shall reach TRL5 for the 2028 demonstration.
Enabler 13: To maximise next generation ATC performance, a new generation of brake systems is needed to bring adjustable/configurable emergency brake control, the holding brake function and integrated adhesion management among other enhanced functionalities. This destination is expected to reach TRL6 for the 2028 demonstration.

Capability for supporting cost-effective deployment:

Enabler 14: Technology as well and the operational procedures need to be validated and tested to ensure fast and safe deployment. To this end, this destination is expected to develop novel platform and facilities for testing, validation and (virtual) certification. Developments should reach TRL 6 in 2028.

Capabilities enabling operational objectives:

Enabler 16: Modular platform based on next generation ATC architectures, for agreed on-board and trackside modular architecture, reaching TRL6 in 2028.
Enabler 17: Evolved onboard communication networks at TRL7 in 2028.
Enabler 18: stable ETCS onboard supporting further end-to-end digital and automated rail operation. Activities can foresee rationalisation and consolidation of mature and generic ETCS onboard related interfaces (e.g. interface to TCMS, TIMS, localisation, ATO, FRMCS and HMI). This work should be performed in coordination with the EU-RAIL System Pillar. TRL3 Deployment and migration strategic plans, including training and human factors.

Data models used for research, innovation, and demonstrations must align with the ERA Ontology.

The action will contribute to specific quantitative KPIs defined in the Destination description and the Europe’s Rail Master Plan impacts.

Collaboration is required with other Flagship Areas (FAs) and other Research and Innovation (R&I) initiatives.

The project should use EU-RAIL System Pillar Cybersecurity specifications and seek synergies with the EU-Rail Project NEXUS.

The proposal should include specification and demonstration activities for validating architectural aspects stemming from the System Pillar, allocating necessary resources.

The action shall actively contribute to the update of the EU-Rail Standardisation and TSIs input plan (STIP) and the development and implementation of EU policy and legislation.

The total indicative budget for this topic is EUR 33.1 million. The funding rate is 60% of the eligible costs, with eligible costs taking the form of a lump sum. The indicative project duration is 30 months.

Applicant private members of EU-Rail part of consortia should provide in-kind contributions to additional activities to be declared via the template model available on the F&T portal. The amount of total in-kind contributions should be no less than 1.263 times the funding request.

Applicants should ensure their proposals and consortium reflect expertise from rail infrastructure managers, railway undertakings, urban light rail operators, rail suppliers, research institutes, academia, SMEs, and Start-ups.

In summary, this grant opportunity aims to significantly advance the automation and digitalization of European rail operations, focusing on developing and demonstrating next-generation ATC technologies. It seeks to improve rail capacity, reduce costs, enhance safety, and promote a harmonized and interoperable rail system across Europe. The project is expected to deliver concrete solutions, validated through large-scale demonstrations, and contribute to the broader goals of the Europe’s Rail program.

The call specifically targets the development and validation of technologies and operational procedures that enable higher levels of automation in train operations, including autonomous functions, improved safety systems, and enhanced connectivity. The goal is to create a more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective rail system that meets the evolving needs of customers and reinforces the role of rail in European transport and mobility.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types include rail infrastructure managers, railway undertakings, urban light rail operators, rail suppliers (system integrators, manufacturers, and/or technology providers), research institutes, academia, SMEs, and Start-ups. The call specifies that applicant private members of EU-Rail part of consortia should provide in-kind contributions.

Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON JU Innovation Action (HORIZON-JU-IA) with a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] mechanism.

Consortium Requirement: A consortium is required, with the call specifying the expertise that the consortium should reflect.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is specified as including a number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding but have made specific provisions for funding their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

Target Sector: The target sector is rail transport, specifically focusing on digital and automated train operations, Automatic Train Control (ATC) technologies, Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems, Automatic Train Supervision (ATS), Automated Train Operation (ATO), Control, Command and Signalling (CCS) subsystem, European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), and Freight Rail Services. It also touches on cybersecurity related to rail systems.

Mentioned Countries: The opportunity focuses on the European networks, and mentions non-EU/non-Associated Countries that have specific provisions for funding participants in Horizon Europe projects.

Project Stage: The project stage ranges from research and innovation to demonstration, with a focus on large-scale demonstrations and achieving Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) ranging from 3 to 7 depending on the specific enabler and activity.

Funding Amount: The total indicative budget for the topic is EUR 33.1 million.

Application Type: The application type is a single-stage call for proposals.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant to support their projects.

Application Stages: The application process appears to be a single-stage process.

Success Rates: The success rate is not explicitly stated, but the indicative number of grants is one.

Co-funding Requirement: Yes, co-funding is required. The funding rate is 60% of the eligible costs. Applicant Private Members of EU-Rail part of consortia responding to this topic should provide in-kind contributions to additional activities to be declared via the template model available on the F&T portal. The amount of total in-kind contributions (i.e. in-kind contributions for operational activities and in-kind contributions for additional activities) should be no less than 1.263 times the funding request, in aggregate, of these applicant Private Members. Any discrepancy shall be well and duly justified.

Summary: This Horizon Europe call, under the EU-Rail Joint Undertaking, seeks to fund a Flagship Project focused on "Digital & Automated up to Autonomous Train Operations." The goal is to develop and demonstrate next-generation Automatic Train Control (ATC) technologies to increase rail capacity, reduce costs, and improve operational performance across various rail segments, including high-speed, urban, regional, and freight lines. The project should deliver operational solutions up to TRL7 by 2028, with a focus on interoperability, backward compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Consortia must include a diverse range of expertise, including rail infrastructure managers, operators, suppliers, research institutions, and SMEs. The total budget is EUR 33.1 million, with a 60% funding rate, and successful projects will be expected to contribute to the broader objectives of the Europe’s Rail program and related standardization efforts. The call emphasizes the importance of in-kind contributions from private members of the EU-Rail Joint Undertaking.