Categories and criteria

While The Design Innovation of the Year majors on aesthetic design, in order to win this category, the technology, material, or system in question must also consider the environment as well as its impact on improving the passenger experience such as accessibility and family inclusivity and safety. Simply being stylish is not enough to win this Award. Shortlisted companies include design houses and component/technology suppliers/manufacturers/operators who have worked on a project or product successfully launched between 1st November 2024 to 25th October 2025. Please click here to see submission form.

Judges are looking for a project that saw two or more companies successfully work together to create an innovative and stylish rail carriage on time and within budget. Shortlisted companies include rail operators, OEMs, and Tier 1, 2 or even 3 suppliers. A prototype of the product needs to be available to be nominated for this category. Please click here to see submission form.

Shortlisted companies include suppliers of components, technologies and materials for use in a rail passenger compartment that have been launched between 1st November 2024 to 25th October 2025. The winning Technological Innovation will need to demonstrate that it improves efficiency; passenger and crew safety and security; comfort and appeal; and be ecologically sound. Technology in the train cockpit and board restaurant can also be considered. Please click here to see submission form.

Awarded to a company that has shown a promising future technology or entire cabin concept in the last 12 months (from 1st November 2024 to 25th October 2025). The Concept of the Year will be awarded to a technology or full-carriage concept that is not currently in production or service. Judges will be looking for ideas that improve the passenger experience; reduce the carbon footprint; and/or improve accessibility, safety, and security. The Concept of the Year should provide an exciting insight into what technologies or full-cabin designs and concepts we’ll see in the coming years. Shortlisted companies include rail operators, OEMs, design houses, and component/technology and material suppliers. Shortlisted companies will need to supply renders and/or any promotional material to the jury so the Concept can be judged. Please click here to see submission form.

The trophy will go to a rail operator or OEM that has introduced a completely fresh or substantially refitted cabin. To qualify, the refurbished or new cabin must have been introduced into service or be made available to purchase between 1st November 2024 to 25th October 2025. The New Cabin of the Year must feature innovative design and/or technologies that improve the passenger experience as well as embracing sustainability and fresh thinking. Please click here to see submission form.

The Rail Cabin of the Year is awarded to the rail operator that operates the carriages that the jury deems the most comfortable; environmentally sound; stylish; technologically advanced; and practical. The operator with the winning Cabin quite simply boasts the most attractive and appealing rail carriages in the world. Age or years of services is not a factor: any carriage currently in use anywhere in the world qualifies for this Award. Please click here to see submission form.

The "Visionary of the Year" award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional foresight, innovation, and leadership in their field. This prestigious award celebrates gamechangers who have made significant contributions to advancing technology, driving positive social change, or transforming industries through their visionary ideas and actions. Recipients are honoured for their ability to inspire others, push boundaries, and create a lasting impact on society. Please click here to see submission form.