We’re pleased to announce that we’ve become a member of the government’s Northern Powerhouse Partnership Programme.
The Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme is an essential part of creating the Northern Powerhouse. The Government is growing a network of partners who all believe strongly in the economic potential of the North, and support the need for a combined effort by government and business to realise that potential.
We’re also celebrating the success of it’s OLErt dynamic monitoring system which was awarded Innovation funding from the Government in it’s “First of A Kind” competition. The OLErt system, which is currently undergoing trials with Network Rail and GWR, will dramatically reduce the incidence of failures to electrified infrastructure and fleets by recording and analysing data to highlight abnormal train infrastructure events – before they happen.
The OLErt system has also gained industry recognition from the Rail Partnership Awards and Rail Innovation Awards.
Daniel Lee-Bursnall, Commercial Director and co-founder said:
“Becoming a Northern Powerhouse Partner represents another milestone in Incremental’s growth and success. We’re very proud to be representing the North and proud that our innovation is being used across the rail network. Our aim is to create the cornerstones of the future of the rail industry – and that alone is very much a relevant topic for Northern success.”
About Northern Powerhouse
The Northern Powerhouse is the Government’s vision for a super-connected, globally-competitive northern economy with a flourishing private sector, a highly-skilled population, and world-renowned civic and business leadership. The Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme is an essential part of creating the Northern Powerhouse. Government is growing a network of partners who all believe strongly in the economic potential of the North, and support the need for a combined effort by government and business to realise that potential.
York-based Incremental Solutions, a leading technology provider of smart transport systems, has been chosen by Network Rail and GWR to prototype an innovative O.L.E (Overhead Line Equipment) monitoring solution. The system will identify emerging problems with the interface to overhead power cables with the aim of minimising delays to passengers on potentially affected services caused by irregularities in the O.L.E., supporting continuing efforts to further improve rail services.<
The O.L.E. Project employs algorithms, created by Oxford University academics, that use optical recognition to measure the movement of the pantograph on top of each train, plus machine learning and analytics provided by Incremental through its GPS monitoring system. The pantograph, the device that makes contact with the overhead electrical cable and powers each electric train, is designed to adjust to different cable heights and tensions.
The purpose of the trial is to monitor the contact of pantograph with O.L.E. by continually monitoring its state through visual measurement using specialist camera equipment and a processing and connectivity platform provided by Icomera, who complete the delivery team. The gathered data will be analysed to highlight trends and patterns for different trains, routes and connecting overhead cables. The system will then be able to detect differences in the signature created and inform Network Rail and GWR where they need to investigate, and, if necessary, take remedial action before a failure occurs in the O.L.E. system. The O.L.E. prototype will be trialled on Network Rail’s western route with the aim of being rolled out nationally if successful.
Daniel Lee-Bursnall, Commercial Director, said;
“We’re very pleased to have been awarded this project after a competitive tender process. It really demonstrates our credentials within the technology and transport sectors, and it’s a pleasure to work alongside like-minded companies to ensure this project is delivered. The O.L.E. system is very representative of what Incremental Solutions is capable of in terms of using technology to make the rail network function in a safer and more effective way.” 
Incremental Solutions has been named as one of Yorkshire’s ‘Most Exciting Companies’ for 2019.
The list of 50 companies was put together by B2B publication 
We’re pleased to be supporting the York Rail Innovation Community as a speaker on it’s launch event – Wednesday 20th February.
The York Rail Innovation Community exists to connect the depth of rail expertise in York with each other, and with innovative capabilities outside of the rail sector.
A line-up of speakers from the rail industry and local businesses will cover:
Session 1: Showcasing recent innovative achievements in rail, aspirations, and routes to market.
hear about recent achievements with innovation;
hear industry aspirations and challenges to solve with more innovation;
understand the industry structure
learn about the routes to market, and innovation schemes/funding available.
Session 2: Lightning talks – showcasing innovations not yet widespread in rail, and sharing experiences of bringing products to the rail market
hear about the application of new innovations in rail and other sectors;
hear real-world experiences of bringing products to the rail market and lessons learnt;
learnt a bit about new innovative concepts and technologies.
Session 3: Exploration and discussion
The opportunity for discussion with speakers to explore topics in more detail;
Networking and setting-up follow-up actions;
Agreeing the themes for future YoRIC events.
Confirmed speakers include:
– Incremental Solutions
– Insetting
– LNER
– National Railway Museum
– Network Rail
– Northern
– Railguard
– TransPennine Express
– Thales
For more information, visit their website; 
In November, Daniel Lee-Bursnall and Kate Naylor (Head of Business Delivery) attended the Smart Cities Expo in Barcelona.
Smart City Expo World Congress exists in order to empower cities and collectivise urban innovation across the globe. Through promoting social innovation, establishing partnerships and identifying business opportunities, the event is dedicated to creating a better future for cities and their citizens worldwide.
Dan and Kate supported the Leeds City Region stand (Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, or ‘LEP’) alongside Connexin and Shoosmiths.
The theme of this year’s event was “Cities to Live In”. 
The York Press Business Awards were held in mid November where Incremental were shortlisted for the ‘Innovation of the Year’ award.
The event, sponsored by TalkTalk’s York Ultra Fibre Optic project, was the culmination of one of the most hotly contested competitions in recent years, according to the judges, who said the standard of entries from right across York, North and East Yorkshire, was exceptionally high throughout all ten categories, making it “a real coup” for business to have made the shortlist alone.
Unfortunately Incremental left empty handed, but were ultimately pleased to have been recognised for their work.
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