Objective The overall objective of this innovation project is to commercialise Vertex vertical switch: the first reliable railroad switch adopted to winter conditions. Rail transport has been indicated as critical to the EU strategy for improving environmental performance of the transport sector, economic and social cohesion within and between Member States. However, the train services in the EU do not meet the passengers' and the freight companies´ requirements regarding punctuality and reliability. One of the most common reasons for train delays are switch faults, caused by snow and ice accumulated between switchblades.The target end-users of Vertex switch are private and public actors that own and are responsible for the maintenance of the railway infrastructure. Their key need is access to a reliable railway switch, which works smoothly even in harsh weather conditions.These needs will be met by introducing the innovative Vertex switch. This switch guides the train by moving the switch blades vertically instead of horizontally which eliminates the area where snow and ice can land. Vertex offers a reliable switch that works well in all weather conditions, eliminates the need for manual snow clearance, provides measurable cost and energy savings and has potential to significantly reduce the numbers of delayed hours.Generally, the novel switch delivers an ultimate EU added value by increasing reliability and punctuality of train services. This will in turn contribute to the increased attractiveness of train services both for passengers and freight companies and attracting new rail users. The Phase 1 feasibility assessment will develop the business plan that will further guide technical development and exploitation efforts. The development of the prototype, demonstration and testing of the product will take place in the Phase 2 project. If successful, the overall innovation effort is expected to take Vertex to a new level of competitiveness and growth. Fields of science social sciencessocial geographytransportfreight transportagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesforestry Programme(s) H2020-EU.3.4. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport Main Programme H2020-EU.2.1.1. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies - Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) H2020-EU.2.3.1. - Mainstreaming SME support, especially through a dedicated instrument Topic(s) SMEInst-10-2016-2017 - Small business innovation research for Transport and Smart Cities Mobility Call for proposal H2020-SMEInst-2016-2017 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-SMEINST-1-2016-2017 Funding Scheme SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1 Coordinator VE'RTEX SWEDEN AB Net EU contribution € 50 000,00 Address SAVHULTSVAGEN 40 448 95 TOLLERED Sweden See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Region Södra Sverige Västsverige Västra Götalands län Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 71 429,00