What is the TfWL accelerator programme?
A 10-week accelerator programme designed to take your start-up from ideation to product launch and deploy your solution across Transport for Wales
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We run a 10-week accelerator programme consisting of workshops, stakeholder 1-2-1s, mentoring, networking opportunities with key executives and access to a wide range of resources and knowledge from across the sector. |
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At the end of the 10 weeks, all businesses taking part on the programme will present their MVP (Minimum Viable Product) on demo day, with the goal of securing a contract with Transport for Wales. Successful candidates will then have the financial security and access to resources needed to continue development of their product or service to integrate across Transport for Wales. |
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2025 Media Cymru and Transport for Wales Challenge Statement
Media Specific Challenges as outlined by Media Cymru (Must be based in Wales for the Media Challenge): • Supporting tourism via the transport network. • Strengthening the use of the Welsh language across the network. • Creating mixed-media experiences to improve commuter journeys. • Promote the brand and/or offering using new forms of media • Attracting people to use the network via new media
Transport Specific Challenges as outlined by Transport for Wales: • Revenue Generation and Cost Efficiency o Identifying new revenue opportunities o Designing cost-effective solutions o Leveraging AI to enhance operations • Modal Shift and Engagement o Encouraging more people to use sustainable transport o Developing an integrated, sustainable transport system • Operational Excellence o Improving rail and bus performance o Enhancing safety for passengers and staff o Strengthening climate resilience |
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Who is it for? |
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| We want all applicants to get the most out of this programme, so that their business can grow and so that Transport for Wales can continue to improve and provide the best levels of customer and passenger experience possible. | ||
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Lab by Transport for Wales is for any of the following, that have a product or idea that can benefit the sector; |
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Entrepreneurs |
Start-ups |
Scale-ups |
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Do I qualify for the programme? |
| If you, or your business, fits any of the following (not necessarily all), we think you’d be a great candidate for the programme: |
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You are a tech start-up business or entrepreneur - actively working on an idea (product or service) |
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You are a scale-up business in the sector |
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Areas of interest include, but are not limited to; booking systems, on-board commerce, advertising, customer service, end-to-end customer experience, CRM and customer loyalty, infrastructure innovation or operational efficiency. |
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You have an existing product or service that you feel you could pivot to improve the customer experience and passenger experience |
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You have a physical product, or are developing a physical product, that you feel could benefit Transport for Wales and the passenger experience |
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If you, or your business, fits any of the following (not necessarily all), we think you’d be a great candidate for the programme: |
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Why join? |
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Get industry validated |
Up-scale your business |
An innovative workspace |
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Learn from innovation leaders |
Access to experts |
Grow your business |
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Previous cohort demo day |
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Frequently asked questions |
| Have a question? Take a look at our most frequently asked questions below. |
- How do I apply?
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All applications for the Lab by TFW Accelerator are captured through our digital platform partner, SimplyDo. Click below to access the Challenge brief and create your application for the accelerator.
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- Where is the programme based?
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The programme will be primarily based at the innovation lab at TfW HQ, Llys Cadwyn, Pontypridd. Some sessions may also be run out of PDR’s premises in Cardiff.
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- What is the criteria to apply?
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You can be an entrepreneur, start-up or a scale-up business. You must have an idea, product or solution that can be applied to solving TfW and Media Cymru challenge statements. Those with an existing minimum viable product, or product at market which can be pivoted to benefit will be considered strong candidates.
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- Who runs this accelerator programme?
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The accelerator programme is an initiative from Transport for Wales that is developed and facilitated by the Lab by TfW innovation team.
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- How long does the programme last?
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Our innovation programme lasts for 10 weeks, with demo day taking place in week 10 of the programme.
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- How much time do I need to commit to the programme?
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We deliver day long workshops sessions once a week for the duration of the programme. You will also need to check in with product sponsors/owners and allocate time from your business to develop your MVP.
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- Do you take equity in my business?
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No. Successful applicants will become candidates and take part in the programme for free. At the end of the 10 weeks, successful businesses will receive a commercial contract if their solution is viable and will benefit Transport for Wales.
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- What is the evaluation criteria for applications?
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All applications will be judged and evaluated by a panel of team members from Transport for Wales, PDR and Media Cymru. Key criteria will be your idea or offering, the potential for it to benefit Transport for Wales and Media Cymru can help your business.
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