Rail transport is key to the sustainable mobility of the future - but its further development requires new ways of thinking when it comes to infrastructure, construction processes and technology.
In this challenge, organized by the Railway Talent Hub in cooperation with the Innovation Booster - New Mobility, we are bringing together technical talent and industry experts to answer the key questions for the railways industry.
Since the event will be held in German, all further information is available in German.
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Crack railway industry challenges
Various railway companies and the rail industry have submitted complex problems from their daily work. At the Railway Innovation Hackathon, you will work in a diverse group of students, young professionals, and experts to find solutions to these challenges and help to improve the railway industry.
Innovate, Win, and Collaborate
For two days, you and your team will have time to tackle your challenge and devise an innovative solution. The winning team of each challenge receives guaranteed follow-up funding of CHF 25,000. This enables you to further develop your approach together with the company that submitted the challenge.
Expert Keynotes Await
Over these two days, you will benefit from brief expert and industry keynotes, expanding your knowledge of the industry.
Expand your network
This event not only offers opportunities to explore innovative thinking and generate essential solutions for the railway industry but also helps you connect with diverse individuals and expand your network.
08.01.2026
09:00 - 09:30: Welcome & Overview of the Challenge Topics
09:30 - 09:45: Expert / Industry Keynote
09:45 - 12:00: Breakout Sessions: Deep Dive & Identification of Core Challenges
12:00 - 13:00: Lunch Break
13:00 - 13:15: Expert / Industry Keynot
13:15 - 16:15: Breakout Sessions: Collaborative Problem Solving
16:15 - 16:30: Presentation of Key Takeaways & Day Recap
09.01.2026
09:00 - 09:15: Welcome & Brief Recap
09:15 - 10:30: Breakout Sessions: Collaborative Problem Solving
10:30 - 12:30: Pitch Preparation Sessions
12:30 - 13:30: Lunch Break
13:30 - 13:45: Industry Keynote
13:45 - 15:00: Team Pitches
15:00 - 16:00: Coffee Break & Jury Deliberation
16:00: Winner Announcement followed by a networking aperitif
🚆 Challenge 1 – Hack the Tracks: Shaping Mobility with Code
Owner: SBB Infrastructure & Corporate Development
Use AI to revolutionize how Swiss transport planning is done! Build a prototype that makes planning across all transport modes (train, tram, bus, etc.) faster, smarter, and more transparent.
Your Challenge: Create a proof of concept for an AI-based tool that accelerates one or several steps of the planning process — from data analysis to evaluating infrastructure options. Use open data, creative algorithms, and your favorite tools (Python, ChatGPT, Colab, etc.) to reimagine how the future of mobility planning could look.
⚙️ Challenge 2 – Proactive Risk Radar for SBB
Owner: SBB Risk Management
How can AI help detect and interpret emerging risks that affect SBB’s strategy? Develop a solution that automatically gathers and evaluates publicly available information (political, social, environmental, economic, legal, etc.) to identify potential disruptions and trends relevant to SBB’s risk landscape.
Your challenge: Build a “risk radar” powered by AI that helps managers stay informed and make proactive decisions — before risks become reality.
🏔️ Challenge 3 – Sustainable Travel to the Jungfrau Region: Park & Ride Matten
Owner: Jungfraubahnen Management AG
How can we make the new Park & Ride in Matten the preferred choice for visitors to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen? Design solutions that simplify communication, pricing, and integration with public transport — especially for international summer guests who currently prefer to drive up the valleys.
Your goal: Create user-friendly ideas and tools that make switching to public transport easy, attractive, and sustainable.
Last year, a similar event was held at SBB. Take a look at the website Bahnnetz-Hackathon 2025 | Railway Talent Hub to see how this event went. As the event was held in German, the information available is also in German.
If you have any questions, please reach out to info@railway-talent-hub.ch.
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